Language Contact In Thailand

INTRODUCTION

This chapter describes the background of the study, definition of terms used, research objectives, research questions, scope as well as the significance of the study.

1.1 Background of the Study

English is the language “on which the sun never sets” (Crystal, 2004: 10 as citedin Buripakdi, 2008: 15). It was defined as the language of “international communicationand understanding, economic development, and national unity” (Phillipson, 2000: 99).The British Council (1995) stated that English was set to be the global language foreconomic, social, and personal development. The notion of globalization has creatednew and hybrid forms of culture, language, and political organizations (Graddol, 1997) which has led to the spread of English

Given

English’s popularity and significant status in Thailand contact between English and

Thai is unavoidable bringing about the phenomenon of language mixing

(Yiamkamnuan, 2010). Since English has blended into Thai daily interactions, Thai people tend to use more English words in Thai contexts. Prasithrathsint (1997) stated that most people in Thai society are multilingual. They can understand and speak many languages and switch or mix them causing one language to influence the others.This phenomenon is called “language contact”, which consequently involves nativizationof English, in other words, the adaptation of English in certain social and culturalsettings bringing about varieties of English (Kachru and Nelson, 2006). Many Thaipeople believe that those who are knowledgeable and mix English words when talkingabout technology are popular (Jaihuek et al., 2011). The mixing of English can be seenoften via print advertisements, music lyrics, and TV programs (Chantarothai,

Thai-English code-mixing or code-mixing refers to English words used in

Thai as the major language of conversation, which were found in SueaChaniKeng

Nativized features refer to the integration of English words into Thai which causes an effect on English used in Thai as a localized context.

Intrasentential code-mixing refers to code-mixing as switching between two or more languages at an intra-sentential level or within an utterance.

Alternative media refers to non-mainstream and digital media defined by

Littlejohn and Foss (2009).

The series refers to SueaChaniKengas a unique sampling in this study.

Broadcasted in 2016, the series revolves around a group of 3 friends from university, featuring the flashbacks and present issues of each character and his or her acquaintances, colleagues, and friends.

1.3 Objectives of the