THAI SCRIPT IN VIETNAM

Abstract

Thai people in Vietnam have two types of scripts: 1. The ancient script originated from India - Sanskrit (with many different types, Black Thai, White Thai; Tay Thanh, Tay Đeng; Tay Do; Tai Pao, Thai Muong, Thai Hang Tong...) 2. The new script - Latin form. The ancient Thai script used to play an important role in the cultural and spiritual activities of the Thai, considered by Thai intellectuals to be a valuable asset of Thai people in Vietnam. The encoding of the ancient Thai script was laid out. The “new” Thai script has been highlighted since the French arrived in the Northwest (1946 - 1954). In 1970, the Thai Latin script was approved by the People’s Committee of Lai Chau province. In general, Thai characters do not have conditions to disseminate and being used actively.
A number of questions arise and need answers about Thai script, so that this script can have a stable life and function actively: What is Thai script created for? What are the requirements for Thai script (And: In the current situation of Vietnam, it is advisable to propagate and use the ancient Thai script, or the new Thai script, or both)? Thai script should be based on which dialect? How should Thai script be taught and used?