Author

Jariya Somnuk

Title

The Phonology of Nakhon Sithammarat Sub-Dialects / Jariya Somnuk

Date

1981

Abstract

The main purpose of this thesis is to investigate and to compare the phonological characteristics of the sub-dialects spoken in everyday life in the sixteen amphoe (districts) in Nakhon Sithammarat in order to indicate the sub-dialect regions. The researcher analysed the tones, consonants and vowels in each sub-dialect in order to find out their similarities and differences. The sub-dialect regions were then formed on the basis of these similarities and differences. Finally the data were compared to the standard Thai. The result of this thesis showed that there are both similarities and differences between the sub-dialects in Nakhon Sithammarat. These similarities and differences were so significant that the researcher was able to form the sub-dialect regions. The findings indicate the following results. First, there are two distinctive tone patterns. Pattern I, which consists of seven tonemes was found spoken in the following amphoes : Sichon, Thasala, Phromkiri, Muang, Pakphanang, Chianyai, Huasai, Cha-uad, Ronphiboon, Lansaka, Thungsong, Naborn, Thungyai, Chawang and Phipoon. Pattern II, which consists of six tonemes, was found spoken in Amphoe Khanorm. There are also some systematic changes in tones (tone sandhi). The tonal changes varied according to the tone patterns. Second, there are two distinctive consonant patterns. Pattern I, which consists of thirteen consonant clusters including /mr-/ and /ml-/, was found spoken in the following amphoes : Thasala, Phromkiri, Pakphanang, Chianyai, Huasai, Cha-uad, Ronphiboon, Lansaka, Thungsong, Naborn, Thungyai, Chawang and Phipoon. Pattern II, which consists of eleven consonant clusters excluding /mr-/ and /ml-/was found spoken in Amphoe Khanorm and Amphoe Sichon. On the contrary, there was twenty-one consonant phonemes with slightly varied distributions. Finally, there is no difference in the vowel system in each amphoe. That is to say, there are sixteen vowels, fourteen diphthongs and three triphthongs in each sub-dialect. In conclusion, the patterns of tone system, the patterns of consonant system and the distribution of final consonants /-k/ and /-๗/ in checked syllables with long vowels can be used as criteria in forming various sub-dialect regions. Furthermore, in comparing the characteristics of tones, consonants and vowels of the sub-dialects in Nakhon Sithammarat to the standard Thai, the researcher found that while their characteristics of consonants and vowels are slightly different, their characteristics of tones and the number of tonemes are remarkably different. Moreover, in comparing the sub-dialects spoken in Nakhon Sithammarat to other southern Thai dialects spoken in surrounding provinces, the researcher found that they have close relationships and share some characteristics. However, the formation of the sub-dialect regions was not in accordance with that of the administrative regions; instead, it was formed according to geographical boundaries.

เมื่อเปรียบเทียบภาษาถิ่นย่อยจังหวัดนครศรีธรรมราช กับภาษาไทยถิ่นใต้ ซึ่งพูดกันในท้องถิ่นอื่นๆ ที่มีอาณาเขตติดต่อกับจังหวัดนครศรีธรรมราช จะเห็นได้ว่าภาษาถิ่นเหล่านี้มีความสัมพันธ์กันและมีลักษณะของภาษาร่วมกันไม่ลักษณะใดก็ลักษณะหนึ่ง จึงสรุปได้ว่าการแบ่งเขตภาษาย่อยนั้นไม่ได้แบ่งตามเขตการปกครอง แต่แบ่งตามสภาพภูมิศาสตร์

Note

Typescript (photocopy)

Thesis (M.A.)--Chulalongkorn University, 1981

Theraphan L.Thongkum, advisor