Gussenhoven, Kenstowicz, and Thai language corruption

Gussenhoven wrote a list of phonetic terminologies based on the body parts that contributed to the creation of sound from the larynx all the way to the mouth and nasal cavity. Then he explained how the controlling of each part contributes to a different sound. Finally, he concluded the chapter with an IPA table as a basis for further studies in phonetics.

Kenstowicz combined different sounds, which is explained by Gussenhoven, into words, and see how do the sounds interact with one another as a list of specific rules. However, words like “writer” and “rider” which has different vowel lengths could not be explained using single level rules.

Reading these two excerpts made me realize the possible root cause of language problem in my home country, “Thai language corruption.” Conservative people, who are proud of our traditions, tend to worry about Thai language gradually eroding. One of the most distinctive changes are the disappearances of the lateral sound [l] like the Thai word for “back” [kləb] is often pronounced as [kəb] which actually means “with” and trills like the word for “complete” [krob] is pronounced as [kob] which means “make friends with”.

When you consider this from a perspective of anatomy based on Gussenhoven’s writing, both the laterals and trill sounds requires the crown of the tongue to touch the alveolar ridge. On the other hand, the vowels “ə” and “o” which are central and back vowels does not allow the tongue to touch the alveolar ridge and obstruct the flow of wind. Also, the ending sound “b” requires the mouth to be closed, which will press the tongue down. Considering these factors, the tongue will be forced down by the vowel and the ending sound, so it takes some effort to create lateral and trill sounds, which tend be omitted when a person is talking quickly and casually.

Apart from the ease of pronouncing the words, what about the problem of confusing meaning? It turns out that Kenstowicz has the answer. He gave the example of the words “tents” and  “tends” which sound similar when you omit the “t” sound in English. Kenstowicz explained that we are able to recognize defective stimuli that have subtle differences. Using this same logic for the words [kləb] and [kəb], Thai native speakers are able to detect subtle differences. When you combine this ability with context, the listener is definitely able to distinguish these two words.

The theories by Gussenhoven and Kenstowicz are able to shed some light on how the Thai language corruption has occurred. The eroded language fits the lifestyle of the new generation who prefers quicker and more convenient ways to communicate. Therefore, I suspect that a lot of languages will experience continuous language corruption.