The Royal Chronicles, Royal Autograph Edition (Volumes 5–10): Orthographic Characteristics and Key Lexical Usage in Thai

Abstract

This article aims to examine Thai orthographic features and key lexical terms used in The Royal Chronicles, Royal Autograph Edition (Volumes 5–10). The analysis is based on original manuscripts preserved at the National Library which were obtained from the Secretariat of the Cabinet in 1939. The results revealed that 1) 43 consonants are used with no occurrence of the consonant “ฮ”, 2) 28 vowels are found, 3) 2 tonal marks are present, namely ( ่ and ้ ), 4) all 10 numeral symbols are used, and 5) 2 types of symbols are employed, namely vowel substitutes and additional orthographic markers. The key lexical terms include 1) common nouns referring to people those related to groups of people, time, occupations or positions, objects, places, and animals, 2) proper nouns denoting names of persons, places, weapons and animals. 3 types of verbs are found: 1) action verbs consisting of motion verbs and stative action verbs, 2) stative verbs, including verbs indicating habits, quantity or magnitude, speed, and comparison and 3) experiential verbs including sensory perception and verbs related to the senses. The findings of this study contribute to the enrichment of knowledge on the evolution of Thai orthography and historical lexical usage, which reflect social conditions in the past in a meaningful way.