Borrowed Pali and Sanskrit Words in Isan Literature: A Case Study of the Questions of Nang Devata

Abstract

This research article aims at examining characteristics of Pali-Sanskrit loanwords found in a northeastern Thai (Isan) literature Panha Nang Devata (Questions by A Female Deity). The research findings are (1) The Pali-Sanskrit loadwords in this literature are predominantly compound words (samāsa) rather than complex or multi-level compounds. Among these, kammadhārayasamāsa are more commonly used than dvandvasamāsa and Tappurisasamāsa. These compound words often feature internal vowel rhymes, resulting in the loadwords being melodic and implying the purpose of this literature as for chanting; (2) Vocabularies applied for Buddhism and Dhamma topics in general carry specific meanings that are unable to be properly expressed through northeastern Thai dialects; and (3) Pali-Sanskrit words being compound with northeastern Thai terms can be better understood, familiar as much as spoken words, and sound less academic; but the rhetorical style remains. With these given characters, Panha Nang Devata is regarded a unique melodic northeastern Thai literature, being well understandable, composed in the rai meter. Not only are the Pali-Sanskrit loanwords characterized by rhymes but also implications of didactics of customary laws, as well as northeastern Thai language and culture.