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Glite Dictionary
Tai Dam

Tai Dam

9.9
A language that Tai Dam people speak in northern and southern Vietnam
  • noun
translation icon : tai dam
  • The Tai Dam language uses a unique script distinct from other Tai languages.

Examples

  • Many communities speak Tai Dam and have preserved their traditional culture.

  • Linguists study Tai Dam to better understand the history of Southeast Asian languages.

  • The Tai Dam language is rich in culture.

  • Many people in Vietnam speak Tai Dam.

  • Linguists study Tai Dam to better understand the history of Southeast Asian languages.

  • Many communities speak Tai Dam and have preserved their traditional culture.

  • The Tai Dam language uses a unique script distinct from other Tai languages.

Surface Forms

Tai Dam singular
Tai Dams plural

Morphology

Tai + Dam

Knowing 'Tai' would allow a B1 learner to infer this is a variety or group related to the Tai language family, but 'Dam' is not a recognized English lexical item here (it functions as a proper name) so the specific identity and meaning cannot be derived from the parts alone. Because the head 'Tai' gives a clear clue while the second element is opaque to learners, the expression is partially transparent but requires background knowledge.

Etymology

Tai Dam may come from two old words: Tai for the Tai people and Dam meaning 'black'. One popular story says the group often wore dark clothes and head cloths, so people called them 'Black Tai', and today Tai Dam names the people and their language.