COMPARISON BETWEEN THE KHMER DIALECT OF AN GIANG AND STANDARD KHMER - THE VOWEL SYSTEM

Abstract

This study examines vowel variation in the Khmer dialect spoken in An Giang Province, Vietnam, in comparison with Standard Khmer. Adopting a comparative phonological approach, the research systematically classifies structurally equivalent lexical items and analyzes recurrent pronunciation patterns across speakers. The findings reveal that vowel variation in the An Giang Khmer dialect follows stable and systematic patterns rather than random deviation. Major phenomena include diphthong simplification, shifts in vowel quality, and vowel elision in polysyllabic words. These processes result in noticeable changes to syllable structure, frequently increasing consonant clustering and reducing syllable complexity in spoken forms. Such phonological patterns create clear divergence between local speech and the standard forms represented in written language and educational materials. The study interprets these variations as established dialectal features reflecting the phonological identity of An Giang Khmer, shaped through long-term language use within the local community. By providing a structured description of vowel variation, this research contributes empirical evidence to Khmer dialectology and offers phonological insights relevant to the teaching and learning of Khmer in contexts where regional and standard varieties coexist.