Thai Borrowing in Khmer Literature ‘Tum Tiaw’: Poetic Devices

Abstract

Tum Tiaw, the masterpiece of Khmer literature that has been popular until today, was written by Monk Soma or Monk Pathumattathera in 1915. The plot was adapted from a folk tale which was believed to be a true story happening in the 16^th century.  It was written in the form of 7 syllabics.  Thai words are borrowed and used to create ornament – both sound and meaning.  The use of Thai words helped intensify the meaning of words. This use created a “poetic value” in terms of word selection and Tum- Tiaw was considered “ noble” , for Thai words are regarded as noble, just like Pali and Sanskrit ones. The use of Thai royal terms reflects the poet’s high education for not using only Khmer ordinary words.