Abstract: The division of dialect,sub-dialect and patois has not been accurately determined in the investigation of Miao language since the mid of 1950s,and the division of patois in each dialect has not reached an agreement yet.By investigating and comparing phonetic features of each Miao patios in Qiandong dialect,it is found that Miao dialect in Qiandong could be divided into seven patois.Theoretical basis from the perspective of descriptive linguistics are provided for the division.The differences between initial consonant and simple or compound vowel in these patois show that they are of same origin,and the phonetic deviation indicates the development of patois in different areas.

Key words: Miao dialect in Qiandong, phonetic features, patois division