The Status of /-w-/: A Perspective from Khamphuan -- A Thai Language Play

Authors

Tamjai Awirutthiyothin

Publication Date

2006-01-01

Abstract

This article aims to show how to understand a language phenomenon through the language play of the Thai. The data is based on Tamjai (2003): Mechanisms and Patterns of Reversed Speech in Bangkok Thai, Northern Thai, Northeastern Thai, and Southern Thai, and Southern Thai Dialects. There are 334 utterances used to analyze the status of /-w-/. The Thai speakers of three dialects, Bangkok Thai, Northern Thai, and Southern Thai dialect speakers, interpreted the status of /-w-/ in five different types when reversed the utterances. Firstly, the second phoneme of an initial cluster: /-w-/. Secondly, the single phoneme of an initial consonant: /-w-/. Thirdly, the property of vowel: /ṷ/. Fourthly, the vowel: /u/. Finally, the zero: /ø/. The results according to McMahon (1994) about the stages of sound change. Moreover, the status of /-w-/ form reversing the utterances show how the sound changed from Proto South Western Tai to Modern Tai; Yuan, Lao, and Siamese.

First Page

66

Last Page

80

Recommended Citation

Awirutthiyothin, Tamjai (2006) "The Status of /-w-/: A Perspective from Khamphuan -- A Thai Language Play," Manusya, Journal of Humanities: Vol. 9: No. 2, Article 4.
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/manusya/vol9/iss2/4