The Study of Linguistic Repertoire and Language Attitudes of Thai Soeng Dam Ban Talat Khwaaj, ChomBueng District, Ratchaburi Province

Abstract

The study of linguistic repertoire and language attitudes of Thai Soeng Dam Ban Talat Khwaaj, ChomBueng District, Ratchaburi Province aimed to to evaluate Thai Soeng Dam Linguistic Repertoire as well as to investigate language attitudes of Thai Soeng Dam people. This study focused on linguistic background, ability of the Thai Soeng Dam people to understand and speak Thai Soeng Dam, Lao, Isan, and Central Thai as well as the language attitudes of the Thai Soeng Dam people toward their own dialect and their own ethnic group. The data was collected using the individual questionnaire consisted of four parts including (1) Language Use Profile, (2) Linguistic Repertoire, (3) Personal Language Use, and (4) Language Attitude. The variables or the factors used in data analysis were sex, age, education and place of birth. Linguistic Repertoire of most Thai Soeng Dam Ban Talat Khwaaj, ChomBueng District, Ratchaburi Province referred to two languages which were L1 : Thai Soeng Dam and L2 : Central Thai. Moreover, some Thai Soeng Dam could speak five languages including L1: Thai Soeng Dam, L2: Lao, L3: Central Thai, L4: Isan, and L5: Yuan. Additionally, for the mother tongue of the elder Thai Soeng Dam, it was found that they could speak three languages which were Thai Soeng Dam, Lao, and Central Thai. Moreover, for the younger Thai Soeng Dam, it demonstrated that they could speak four languages including Thai Soeng Dam, Lao, Central Thai, and Isan. General attitudes towards the Thai Soeng Dam language showed that the language was mostly accepted. According to interview, they were proud to be Thai Soeng Dam and they would like every Thai Soeng Dam speak Thai Soeng Dam language more. In conclusion, Thai Soeng Dam language is important in their community especially to be accepted in the community and to live in the village.