Orthographic Changes of Pali and Sanskrit Loanwords in Sukhothai Inscriptions

Abstract

This research aims to analyze orthographic changes of Pali and Sanskrit loanwords in Sukhothai Inscription and compare them to word forms in the present day. The data is collected from the Book of Stone Inscriptions Section 8: Sukhothai Inscriptions, consisting of 180 Pali and Sanskrit loanwords. It applies Lalita Chotirangseeyakun’s concept as a theoretical framework for analysis. The findings show that the four orthographic changes of Pali and Sanskrit loanwords are found as follows: 1) Alphabet change is made in five characteristics; initial consonant, final consonant, additional orthography, syllable reduction, and consonant conversion. 2) Vowel change is made in two characteristics that are vowel sound and vowel form. 3) Tone change is made in the only characteristic which is tone mark reduction. 4) Symbol change is made in three characteristics: the use of Tan Ta Kad symbol, changing Fon Thong symbol into Tan Ta Kad symbol, and the use of Nik Kha Hid symbol.