Orthography of the Fakkham Script in Chinese Source: A Case Study of the “Chinese-Lanna Glossary (Babai Guan Yìyu)”

Abstract

This article presents the study of the “Chinese-Lanna Glossary (八百館譯語: Babai Guan Yìyu)” that was compiled during the Ming Dynasty (post-1511 CE) by the Babai Office under the Bureau of Translators for studying the Lanna language. That records Lanna vocabulary by Fakkham script alongside Chinese translations. This study analyzes the orthography of the Fakkham script in this document. The findings reveal that the paleographic of Fakkham script in this manuscript is relatively rounded, contrasting with the more elongated and angular forms found in contemporaneous inscriptions. Key orthographic features include: 1) consonants that employ full-form, sub-joined, and ligated consonants. Notably, a systematic orthographic distinction is maintained between the consonants /kh/ and /x/. 2) Vowels: While generally consistent with standard Fakkham orthography, specific observations include the placement of superscript vowels centered above both initial consonants. Subscript vowels, particularly /-u/, are found in combination with /-a/. Additionally, the vowel /-am/ exhibits an orthography that is found in Kengtung inscriptions. 3) Diacritics and Markers: Only the "Mai tho" - tone mark is attested. Regarding vowel markers, the "Mai han-akat" shows a transitional shift to a position above the initial consonant. The "Mai kong" functions in relation to the final nasal /-m/, and the marker for the vowel /-ɔː/ aligns with the orthographic found in Kengtung inscriptions. 4) Additional Observations: The orthography reflects a phonologically-based spelling. Certain lexical items are spelled to reflect vowels in Tai Lue and Tai Khun, cognates with the corresponding vowels in the Lanna language.