Semantic change in Pali and Sanskrit loanwords in Thai and Myanmar: A comparative study

Abstract

Pali and Sanskrit have influenced the vocabularies of both Thai and Myanmar, especially in the areas of religion, culture, administration, and literature. Although many loanwords derived from these languages are shared between Thai and Myanmar, their meanings have not always developed in the same way. This study examines semantic change in 206 Pali and Sanskrit loanwords found in both the Royal Institute Dictionary (2011) and the Myanmar Language Commission Dictionary (2008). The study aims to compare semantic similarities and differences between the two languages and to identify patterns of semantic development in shared loanwords. The analysis focuses on semantic retention, widening, narrowing, metaphorization, and subjectification. The findings show that while many loanwords retain similar meanings in both languages, a number of words have undergone different semantic developments. Thai loanwords tend to display broader semantic extension in contemporary usage, whereas Myanmar loanwords more frequently show semantic narrowing and more specific contextual usage. Some loanwords also demonstrate metaphorical meaning development and changes related to speaker attitude and interpretation. The study provides a comparative perspective on semantic change in shared Pali and Sanskrit loanwords in Thai and Myanmar and may also serve as a reference for future language learning materials and cross-cultural language studies involving the two languages.