Rikker Dockum

Emphasizing adaptability and resilience in his academic pursuits, Cornelius Beach Bradley was a distinguished faculty member at the University of California, Berkeley, where he made significant contributions to the field of phonetics. Born in Bangkok to missionary parents, Bradley's early life was steeped in the rich cultural tapestry of Southeast Asia, which undoubtedly influenced his scholarly interests and research trajectory. Bradley's academic work was particularly notable for his instrumental phonetic studies of the Thai language. His research provided invaluable insights into the phonetic structures and linguistic nuances of Thai, contributing to a deeper understanding of Southeast Asian languages. His dedication to language study was not only academic but also personal, as his family's history was intertwined with the region. The Bradley family maintained strong connections to New Haven, a relationship that was cemented when they donated the Dan and Cornelius Beach Bradley papers to the Yale Archives in the 1950s. These papers have been a treasure trove for linguists and historians alike, offering a glimpse into the linguistic and cultural exchanges of the time. Among the most intriguing documents in the Bradley papers is a letter from Cornelius Bradley to King Vajiravudh of Thailand. In this letter, Bradley provided feedback on an alphabet designed by the king, which, although never adopted, has historical significance. The correspondence is particularly noteworthy as it sheds light on the emergence of vowel splits in the Thai language, suggesting that these linguistic changes occurred earlier than previously documented. Bradley's work continues to resonate within the academic community, serving as a testament to his scholarly rigor and his passion for understanding the complexities of language. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the study of Southeast Asian languages and historical linguistics, inspiring future generations of linguists to explore the intricate dynamics of language contact and evolution.