“Jai-Fu” (Heart Swelling)
“Phra-athit kamlang pai non” (The sun is going to sleep)
“O, keng mak” (Oh, very good)
“Ching ching, aroi” (Really, delicious)
Phrases that many people find catchy with their unique accents have become so popular that people mimic them, reflecting something about the future of the Thai language in society. July 29, National Thai Language Day, Khon Kaen University invites us to look at the phenomenon of Thai language among foreign influencers through the lens of Assistant Professor Dr. Itsarate Dolphen, a lecturer at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University, who teaches Thai to foreigners.
“Although their language may not sound like a native Thai speaker, we should appreciate these foreigners, whether they are YouTubers or influencers, for their ability to use Thai well enough to communicate with viewers or fans. This endearing quality has garnered them a significant following, which is a positive sign that our Thai language is becoming more widely recognized compared to the past.”
Foreign Influencers’ Thai Style: Adding New Vocabulary, Expanding Existing Meanings
Even though these foreign YouTubers or influencers might not use Thai correctly according to the rules, from the perspective of a Thai language teacher for foreigners, Assistant Professor Dr. Itsarate Dolphen sees that it’s not unusual for them to speak imperfectly since they are not native speakers. They need to learn and practice tones and consonants. Some words may not be used with their original meanings, and new vocabulary trends may emerge. These phenomena are normal for any language, and they do not harm the Thai language.
Despite deviating from their original meanings, many words have been used metaphorically in the past. When combined, they create an expanded meaning that is easily understood. For instance, “jai-fu” (heart swelling) never used to be combined, but now it clearly conveys a heart swelling with emotion.
Thai Language Fever! More Foreigners Interested in Learning Thai Every Year
The efforts of these foreign influencers and YouTubers to communicate in Thai reflect a trend. Not only are these influencers interested in Thai, but general foreigners are also increasingly keen to learn the language. Assistant Professor Dr. Itsarate revealed that in the past, foreigners might have learned Thai for business or work. Nowadays, they choose to learn Thai for various reasons, especially their fondness for Thai culture showcased in media, such as dramas and series that highlight Thai culture, language, and tourist destinations. This interest motivates them to understand and learn Thai to better connect with Thai people.
“Thai is becoming another soft power of our country, and I believe that in the future, it will become even more widely known, especially in Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Thai is now starting to be used as a common language, second only to English, and it’s not just the language they know well. They also recognize many other aspects of Thai culture through the language.”
The Thai language program at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences has been teaching Thai to foreigners for over 10 years, welcoming exchange students from Asia (Japan, South Korea, China) as well as Europe and America, to learn Thai for daily communication or understanding the social and cultural context. Private companies also send their foreign employees to learn Thai with the faculty to apply it effectively in their work.
Additionally, the Thai language program offers master’s and doctoral degrees for foreign students, including short-term training programs such as academic Thai language. Currently, there are Chinese, Japanese, and German students enrolled, contributing to strategic initiative 9, which aims to internationalize Khon Kaen University. This initiative enhances the university’s reputation through collaboration and exchange between Thai and foreign students under the Thai language program for foreigners.
Foreigners Learn Thai Aiming to Teach Thai to Chinese
Yun Feng (Phakbung), a Chinese master’s student at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University, shared her experience of learning Thai. She initially learned Thai in China with a Thai teacher who made the lessons enjoyable. This made her like Thai, reflecting attitudes and representing Thai culture, which led her to pursue a master’s degree in Thailand to improve her Thai speaking skills. Though initially challenging because she couldn’t understand Thai well, with the help of kind professors, she now understands Thai much better.
“Currently, my favorite Thai phrase is ‘Tai laew’ (I’m in trouble) because I’m about to defend my thesis to graduate with a master’s degree. I aim to continue my Ph.D. in Thai to become a Thai language teacher for Chinese people in China because there is a growing interest in learning Thai in China.”
The “jai-fu” phenomenon and the trend of foreigners speaking Thai and traveling to Thailand have become a fever, representing an opportunity for foreigners to not only communicate effectively but also to learn Thai culture and heritage. This understanding can lead to career opportunities or a better appreciation of Thai series or artists they admire. Foreigners with a basic knowledge of Thai and interest in further learning can inquire or apply at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University.
Tags: Thai Language Teaching for Foreigners, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Thai Language Fever, Khon Kaen University, National Thai Language Day, Learning Thai
Panit Khatnak