Vernacularized TCC (provisional)
“Vernacularized TCC” is my provisional name for a loose TCC spelling convention I use. It is primarily used for character names or concept names/loanwords in fiction. One could consider it a collection of related, historically-motivated Sinitic conlangs. It is somewhat of a hybrid between the basic TCC and Modernized TCC, but without being a rigid system like the former two, instead being a more versitile representation, but one that includes more mergers than the systems. Like the previous systems, Vernacularized TCC focuses on aesthetic realism (but even moreso than them), something that “looks Chinese” to someone unfamiliar with Chinese. As a result, “un-Chinese” clusters used in TCC such as “gh” and “ds” will not be used here. Simplicity is also championed, so merging “ing” with “ieng” into “ing” might be considered. The spelling convention is similar to Modernized TCC but with “o” being replaced by “a”.
Besides names, VTCC may also be used when imitating a descriptive foreign text where aspiration markings and other diacritics are left out (like in a passage by ancient travellers speaking of “chi” [氣]), essentially resulting in a postal romanization.
Some variations may be considered depending on the time period and precision the writer desires. For example, employing the voiced set of obstruents to signify a more historical time period. Variations may also be considered should 2 characters be from different Chinese backgrounds (e.g. perhaps one of the characters come from a place where voiced obstruents are used [cf. Modern Wu or Middle Chinese], and another comes from where the retroflex stop series are pronounced as alveolar stops [cf. Modern Min]).
Tones are generally omitted and multi-syllabic names may be combined into one word or not at the writer’s descretion.
Below are rough guides for spelling in VTCC:
1. Aspiration is usually omitted, but if really desired, an h or aspiration mark may be used.
2. Voiced obstruents may be omitted. The use of gh is discouraged.
3. Implied merging of /dz~z/, and, more often, /dʑ~ʑ~dʐ~ʐ/. If desired, the /dz~z/ distinction may be kept while employing the latter merger.
4. “gn” is not often used in Chinese Romanization and may be discouraged for aesthetic purposes unless specifically going for e.g. Hakka-based styles. “nh” is also discouraged. “j” assumes the pronunciation /ʑ~ʐ/.
5. The diacritic in the â of basic TCC is omitted, merging the spelling with Div II. While the diacritic in ê is also omitted, this usually produces no spelling mergers, as Div III e usually follows i or ü.
6. z rather than i is encouraged after ts, and ze may be used after s. Thus, tsz, sz(e).
7. ü may be the only letter that carries a diacritic in VTCC. Or it can be omitted too, or replaced with iu. As a medial, iu~yw may be used in place of ü~yü~u~yu.
