Spoken by almost 100 percent of the Thai population, Thai is the only national and official language of the country. A survey shows that the people of Thailand take pride in their language, which reflects distinctive culture and traditions passed on from generation to generation.
Permanent Secretary for Culture Vira Rojpojchanarat said that the survey was conducted among 6,592 people aged 13 years and over nationwide, on the occasion of National Thai Language Day, July 29.
According to the survey, more than 50 percent of the respondents know that July 29 marks National Thai Language Day. Most people said that teachers and parents should serve as good examples for the use of the Thai language, followed by news announcers, television moderators, radio program presenters, and politicians. People in the survey wanted the Ministry of Culture to carry out a campaign for the proper use of the Thai language among young people and members of the media.
Aware of the importance and value of the Thai language, the Thai government on 13 July 1999 proclaimed July 29 each year National Thai Language Day, as proposed by the then Ministry of University Affairs. Chulalongkorn University submitted the proposal to the Ministry to honor His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the occasion of his sixth cycle or 72nd birthday anniversary celebrations in 1999.
July 29 was picked as National Thai Language Day to commemorate His Majesty the King’s private visit to Chulalongkorn University to join experts on the Thai language in a discussion on problems of using Thai words. The discussion took place on 29 July 1962 at the Faculty of Arts, where students and lecturers were overjoyed at the talks with His Majesty as a panelist. During the discussion, His Majesty urged people, educational institutions, and public and private organizations to be aware of the proper use of the Thai language. His participation in the discussion reflected his interest in the preservation of Thai cultural heritage. To recognize His Majesty’s concern for the proper use of the Thai language, National Thai Language Day has been observed since 1999. Several activities, such as discussions, special lectures, exhibitions, and contests, are organized each year to mark this occasion.
His Majesty the King’s proficiency in the use of the Thai language is evident, as shown in his literary works. He is known to translate and write in his spare time, especially articles which he reads in foreign journals. The year 1994 saw the publication of His Majesty’s translation of William Stevenson’s book A Man Called Intrepid and in 1995 a biography of Marshal Tito called Tito by Phyllis Auty.
Many non-Thais find the Thai language fascinating. Basically, Thai is a monosyllabic and tonal language. It has incorporated a large number of polysyllabic words of Indian origin, borrowed from Cambodian, Pali, and Sanskrit.
Source: Public Relations Department of the Royal Thai Government
Pictures: Richard Barrow
I fully understand that a country needs a national language and that all citizens are required to master it at a high level.
However, it is also important to acknowledge that millions speak other languages and dialects as their mother tongue – Lao, Khmer and Malay dialects, hilltribe languages -, many go to school hardly knowing any Thai, but that does not and should not make them second-class citizens for all their lives. It would be nice to have a “languages day” that focuses on all this heritage and diversity, so people learn more about each other rather than cultivate mistrust, condescending attitudes, or inferiority complex.
(Yes, I know…. )
Not to mention the 18 million plus Thai who speak the Isaan dialect. It is as much a part of Thai cultural heritage as any other. It is a real part of the life of these Thai citizens even though it is not the official language. It is the real “heart” language.
It is very interesting for me to read that article. Thank you for it. I like such topics and anything connected to this matter. I definitely want to read more soon.
Natasha Pingtown