PL-SKT Word Formatting in Thai Politics: New Approaches to Compound Thai Words

Abstract

Through an analysis of Pali-Sanskrit (PL-SKT) word formatting in Thai political terminology, new approaches to compound words are identified. The objectives of this study were to explore the PL-SKT word formation; especially compound words and new approaches employed in Thai political terminology. The conceptual framework of this study consists of the use of compound word formation theory namely, PL-SKT word formation and Thai
word formation. A qualitative method was employed and data consisted of political terms in political documents and books in Thailand. The findings revealed that PL-SKT has four categories of word formation namely, primary derivative (Kitaka), secondary derivative (Taddhita), compound (Samasa) and prefix (Upasagga). The Thai language
uses them to format words in the field of political terminology. We observed that in the current formatting of compound words, there are the following two aspects: putting an adjective in front of nouns, and putting a prefix in front of a noun or others. These have generally been found in formatting political terminology. However, some
compound words putting the adjective behind the noun are used occasionally in the Thai language.
New approaches to compound words were found; 1) words that are compounded between PL-SKT and Thai words under PL-SKT grammar are formatted through the compounding way of Thai compounds and 2) words that are compounded between PL-SKT and Thai words under PL-SKT grammar are formatted through the compounding way of PL-SKT compounds. Thus the two new approaches to words are undoubtedly expected to
be more employed in the future based on the foundation of PL-SKT Word Formation.