The Study of Politeness In Communication Between Thai and Chinese

Abstract

The objectives of this research was to study the difference and similalities of politeness in communication and cultures between Thai and Chinese from 6 books. The research instruments consisted of politeness in communication between thai and chinese form, observation of the similarities and differences between Thai and Chinese languages form and Content analysis between Thai and Chainese culture form. The data were analyzed by content analysis and synthesis of differences and similarities of politeness in communication between Thai and Chinese.

The research results revealed that language use in Thai language and Chinese language was clearly different in the positions of nouns and pre-nominal modifiers, intonation, and gestures. For the similarities, it was found that, in introducing oneself and others, younger was first introduced to older and male was first introduced to females in order to show respect. For individuals with the same age, qualifications and gender, who was first introduced to whom did not make any difference.

Culturally, the use of non-verbal language was completely different between the two cultures. In Thai, the greeting gesture (Wai), sitting, standing, walking and dress could indicate respect toward individuals and places more concretely than in Chinese. Because Thai social foundation had been influenced by Buddhism and class system which had been deeply rooted in Thai society.