Csurgy

Csurgy, also known as Linglong or Tszeng, is a Pattani language spoken by the indigenous people of Narathiwat Province in southern Thailand.

Geographical Distribution

Csurgy is primarily spoken in the rural areas of Narathiwat Province, particularly in the districts of Chana, Ra-ngae, and S adipho. The language is spoken by approximately 3000 people, mostly elderly individuals, with limited documentation and linguistic research available.

Linguistic Features

Csurgy is a member of the Malay-Polynesian branch of the Austronesian language family. It possesses a distinct grammar and vocabulary that is unique to the Pattani region. The language has a complex system of tones, which is a notable feature that differentiates Csurgy from other related languages.

Script and Orthography

Csurgy traditionally uses the Jawi script, an abugida script derived from the Arabic alphabet, to represent its language. However, there is also a Latin script version of the language, which is used for educational and administrative purposes.

Cultural Significance

Csurgy is an essential part of the cultural identity of the Pattani people, who have a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Efforts to document and preserve the language have been made by local researchers and linguists, although more work is needed to promote and support linguistic diversity in the region.

It is worth noting that Csurgy, like many minority languages in Thailand, faces significant challenges due to language shift and the dominance of Thai as the primary language of education, media, and government.