Influence of Khomthai Alphabet and Thai Alphabet in Manuscripts of Wat Nonglak, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

This research study aims to find paleography and content analysis found in palm leaf manuscripts in Wat Nonglak, located in Nonglak Sub-district of Muang Sam Sip District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. The researcher’s team translated 59 bundles of palm leaf manuscripts, 52 bundles written in Isan script and 7 bundles written in Khom script. These bundles were chosen to present the issue of palm leaf manuscripts styles, Khomthai, and Thai that influenced the style of palm leaf manuscripts writing at Wat Nong Lak. This includes the issue of the orthography of the Khomthai script and the Thai alphabet that influences the orthography of the vernacular characters in the palm leaf manuscripts of Wat Nong Lak.

The findings of this research reveal that both Khomthai and Thai scripts significantly shaped the format of document creation at Wat Nonglak. Notable alterations in writing format were identified, such as the inclusion of a table of contents on the cover, the utilization of page numbering (Angka), and the dating system employing Buddhist and Khmer eras.

In terms of characters, distinct features influenced by the Thai script, such as the consonant “อ”, were observed, alongside influences from the Khomthai script, exemplified by the consonant “ง”. Furthermore, additional components, such as the vowel “เอีย”, and the incorporation of numerals from both Khmer and Thai scripts, were noted.

Regarding paleographic techniques, it was found that Khomthai and Thai scripts coexisted within the local writing system. Moreover, the research identified instances of Khomthai script paleography within the Tham script system, notably in cases involving the “ออ” vowel, spellings, and the “อัว” vowel.