Saturday, October 13, 2007

Language Games Of Thais

Thais are courteous people. This is what my friend has been telling me because he has basically traveled to Thailand from time to time. I have proven true when I went there last week for a visit. Not only they are warm in welcoming you, they are also very polite and tact in treating you. These are both expressed in their verbal and non-verbal languages.

Thais are very particular with their social identity as deemed by age or wealth. They initiate a gesture called wai. This is done by gracefully bringing together the hands to the chest or beneath the nose to show great respect and submission. Thais call their older siblings as pii. Thai words are added to the end of every sentence especially when talking to strangers, elders, or colleagues. Kha is added to sentences when you're talking to a female. You add the word khrup when talking to a male.

6 comments:

  1. Hmmm. That's kinda hard for people like me who know nothing of Thai language. I think simple and courteous English would do. Whatcha think?

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  2. hi peter. i think a little thai will do to. you know. just the basic.
    - Melissa Mullen

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  3. Are they strict with those kind of things? Like addressing the males and females? -Sam Noble

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  4. they arent strict really but it would be very polite of you to atleast learn their basics. it will give you a good impression.

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  5. you are right delores. wherever you go, its much much better to atleast learn a bit of their culture so strangers will not make a fool out of you.

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  6. i would attest to this writing. really, thais are courteous people. this is a personal testimony. when i was in thailand last year, people there were just so accommodating it seemed living in my own country.

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