Thai Language and Society

To understand Thai culture, belief and value, it is important to understand the language use in Thai society. According to sociolinguistic point of view, Thailand is considered the "Diglossia Society", where there are variety of languages use to serve a specialized function and are used for particular purpose. The purpose of the different language is to serve the different types of people. The standard Thai language is used with normal domain or normal people. Another language is used for " High Function" or with the higher status domains such as with the monk and with the King and the Royal family. This kind of language is called " Kam Racha Sap" / /. The difference of the standard Thai language and Kam Racha Sap reflects Thai Society. Hence, it is necessary to understand how the two languages work, the differences of the two categories of Thai language so that we will understand Thai culture more. According to " Language in Society", An introduction to Sociolinguistics, by Suzanne Romaine, the standard language is normally acquired at home as a mother tongue and continues to be used throughout life. Its main uses are in familial and familiar interactions. In Thailand, the standard language is acquired from home, school and public arenas. Different parts of the country acquire different local languages. However, people have to learn the standard language in order to be able to communicate with the rest of the people from the different parts of the country. It is used in school, governmental office, bank, university, and every public arena. People from Bangkok and its vicinities mostly acquire standard language from home as a mother tongue. Unlike people from other parts of the country who acquire local language as a mother tongue. Both local and standard languages serve the same purpose. They are used in normal conversation, with family member, friend, and other familiar interaction or with the normal domains such as school,