The Study of Lexical Similarities between Korean and Thai Through Intermediary Languages
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Abstract
This study aims to explore the lexical similarities through intermediary languages between Korean and Thai, which are unrelated by language family. First, Study of Sino-Korean word in Korean and Chinese loanwords in Thai through of Historical Contact Linguistics. Second, Study of Pali and Sanskrit loanwords in Korean and Thai through of Buddhism context. In Korean language was influenced by Sanskrit language due to Mahayana Buddhism and translations of Sino-Korean word. And Thai language was influenced by Pali-Sanskrit language due to Theravada Buddhism, Therefore Pali and Sanskrit were adopted in terms of religious and philosophical vocabulary. The results showed that Korean and Thai numerous words are found to be similar. For example, the words “ส่ง” and “송 [Song]” are both originated from the Chinese character “送 [Sòng]”. Similarly, the words “แขก” and “객 [Gaek]” have Chinese character “客 [Kè].” Pali and Sanskrit act as intermediary languages such as “불타 [Bulta]” derived from Sino-Korean word “佛陀 (Buddha)” and “열반 [Yeolban]” derived from Sino-Korean word “涅槃 (Nirvana).” These examples reflect the shared cultural influence in East and Southeast Asia and Cultural Translation. As such, it will helpful encourage comprehensive understanding of the nature of language exchange between East and Southeast Asia. And this study serves as the guideline for research on the relationship among Asian languages by proposing frameworks of linguistics and historical contact linguistics. The focus of this study is on the role of the intermediary languages playing on similar words that emerged.
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