Functions and Meaning of the Words /lɛ̂w/ and /láʔ/ successive in the Modern Times

Abstract

The objectives of this article were to study the functions and meanings of the word /láʔ/ that related to the study /lɛ̂w/ of Mingmit Sriprasit (2003). The researcher collected the data from the reign of King Rama IV–V period because /lɛ̂w/ had the sound erosion to /láʔ/ in that period. Though the research results were presented only the modern times since this time had high productivity and complicated structures. The research revealed that /láʔ/ was developed from /lɛ̂w/. /láʔ/ had 4 functions namely, 1) a clause connector, 2) a fixed phrase, 3) a post-verbal auxiliary, and 4) a particle. According to the meanings, /láʔ/ had 8 meanings which were the grammatical and pragmatical meanings. The founded meanings in modern times were: 1) a connecting and supportive meaning, 2) an emphatic meaning, 3) an initiation meaning, 4) a termination meaning, 5) a progressive event at a moment of speech meaning, 6) occurring and ending event at a moment of speech or in the near future meaning, 7) an indication meaning and 8) a guided meaning.