Grammaticalization of the Word /chɔ̂:p/ in Thai

Abstract

This research aims to study the function and meaning of the word /chɔ̂:p/ in various periods of the Thai language, using Unchalee Singnoi Wongwattana’s Functional-Typological Grammar (2012, 2022) and examining the grammaticalization process of the word /chɔ̂:p/ in Thai, based on grammaticalization of Hopper and Traugott (2003). The data were historical and collected from different periods from the Sukhothai to the present, and the word /chɔ̂:p/ was found 681 times. The exploration shows that the word /ch ɔ̂:p/ performs two functions: as a verb and as an auxiliary verb; and that its meaning appears in four variations: “correct,” “liked” or “pleased,” “liked or pleased and indicating frequency,” and “indicating frequency.” The grammaticalization of /ch ɔ̂:p/ begins with its appearance at the beginning of a verb construction unit, which results in ambiguity. This prompts a reanalysis, shifting the word /ch ɔ̂:p/ from being a main verb to more closely resembling an auxiliary verb. This allows meaning inference through metonymy process and results in a comparison that broadens the context of use until it clearly takes on 4 characteristics of auxiliary verbs: 1) expanding the semantic properties of the subject, 2) expanding the semantic group of the verb, 3) co-occurring verb phrases tending to unpleasure, and 4) replacing regular aspect markers and tense markers. Thus, the word /ch ɔ̂:p/ loses its original word category. Additionally, the word /ch ɔ̂:p/ which conveys the meaning of ‘liked’ or ‘pleased’ undergoes metaphorical transformation, linking concrete meanings to more abstract meanings.