A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE MEANING OF THE WORD “WHITE” IN CHINESE AND THAI LANGUAGE

Abstract

Due to cultural differences between Chinese and Thai, the same word can carry different extended meanings in each language. These differences often result in entirely distinct expressions being used to convey the same concept. As a result, Chinese language learners may make pragmatic errors in social communication, and in some cases, these misunderstandings can lead to communication barriers caused by insufficient cultural understanding. This paper addresses this issue by cross-comparing the meaning of the word “white” in three Chinese–Thai bilingual dictionaries, supplemented by references to classical Chinese literature. It analyzes the full correspondence, partial correspondence, and lack of correspondence in the meanings of “white” between the two languages. The comparison reveals both similarities and differences in how “white” is understood and used in Chinese and Thai, which are rooted in the distinct cultural backgrounds of the two countries. By examining the linguistic and cultural connotations of “white” in both Chinese and Thai, this study aims to provide more effective guidance for teaching, vocabulary usage, and cultural transmission. The findings are intended to support improved instruction and promote better cross-cultural understanding for Thai learners of Chinese.