The Origin of meaning and semantic changes of the Chinese loanword “ล้ง” (lóŋ)

Abstract

The Chinese loanword “ล้ง” (lóŋ) in Thai is derived from the Chinese character 廊 (láng) and its pronunciation is from Chinese Teochew, This article is to study of the origin of the word 廊 (láng). In terms of meaning, it has both direct and implicit meanings. The word “ล้ง” (lóŋ) has a direct meaning referring to warehouses and factories for sorting and packing agricultural products. And the implicit meaning of the word "ล้งจีน" (lóŋcin) semantically transfers from the meaning of construction to investors who gather agricultural products. In addition, "ล้งจีน" (lóŋcin) is also used as a substitute, which refers to the act of buying large quantities of agricultural products.