The Analysis and Comparison of the Switched Syllable Words in Standard Thai and Regional Dialect

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze and compare the switched syllable words in Standard Thai and Thai dialects. The switched syllable words were collected from Standard Thai dictionaries [i.e., the Royal Institute Dictionary, the Matichon Dictionary, and the Khlang Kham (Lexicon) Dictionary]. The obtained switched syllable words were compared and analyzed against those obtained from Thai dialect dictionaries, which included the Northern Thai dialect dictionaries, the Northeastern Thai dialect dictionaries, and the Southern Thai dialect dictionaries. The word formation process theory by Francis Gatamba (1993) and the principle of Thai word formation.
A similar word formation pattern was found across all dialects for the switched syllable words. The use of the AB-BA formation pattern was highly detected. Meanwhile, there were switched syllable words in the Thai dialects that, when existing in pairs within or across the dialects, their meaning is the same.
Compounding is a word formation process that is used for forming the switched syllable words in Standard Thai and the Thai dialects which is different. In Standard Thai are synonymous compounds and other compounds. On the contrary, in the Thai dialects are the other compounds and synonymous compounds. The function of the switched syllable words was compared and analyzed. In the Standard Thai, the majority of the switched syllable words are in the verb form, followed by the noun form. On the other hand, in the Thai dialects, the majority of the switched
syllable words are in the noun form, followed by the verb form. Originally, Thai switched syllable words from each syllable were compared and analyzed. It was found that in Standard Thai, the majority of the switched syllable words have each of the syllables originated from Standard Thai. Similarly, in the Thai dialects, the majority of the switched syllable words have each of the syllables originated from the Thai dialects.
The study findings revealed that Standard Thai contains switched syllable words that are the most synonymous compounds in appearance to cause the use of the AB-BA formation pattern was highly detected, including their meaning is the same. Originally, Thai switched syllable words were found in Standard Thai and Thai dialects because both of Standard Thai and Thai dialects are isolating language which were appeared more than switched syllable words in foreign language.

Key word: The Switched Syllable Words, Standard Thai, Thai Regional Dialect