Semantic Change in PL-SKT Loanwords and Figures of Speech Used in the Tai Epic Thao Hung or Cheuang

Thao Hung or Cheuang has been one of the important poetic works in Northern Laos and Northeastern (NE) Thailand for a long time. The use of Pali and Sanskrit (PL-SKT) words and their meanings in communicating the contents of the story in Northern Laos and Northeastern (NE) Thailand are a fascinating feature of this work. The objectives of this study were to explore the semantic changes in the PL-SKT loanwords, and to explore figures of speech in Thao Hung or Cheuang. The conceptual framework of this study consists of exploring 1) the use of PL-SKT words through semantic change processes and 2) the figures of speech used in Thao Hung or Cheuang. A qualitative method was employed and the data collection was done from the volumes 1-4 of Thao Hung or Cheuang Northeastern Literature Dictionary complied by the Royal Society of Thailand. It was found that there are 679 PL-SKT loanwords in 807 stanzas (Klong) of Thao Hung or Cheuang. Three processes of semantic change, namely, widening of meaning, narrowing of meaning and transferring of meaning, were employed in PL-SKT words. Furthermore, the following seven figures of speech: simile, metaphor, symbol, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia, and metonymy were found.