Description
Book SynopsisThis volume reports on programs to revitalize and maintain languages of Thailand, with a particular focus on small enclave languages and school-based revitalization programs. Issues of language status, cultural heritage and identity are explored. The approximately 70 languages of Thailand belong to five language families: Tai (24), Austroasiatic (23), Austronesian (3), Sino-Tibetan (18) and Hmong-Mien (2). Currently, fifteen of these languages are classified as seriously endangered. This volume discusses language revitalization efforts involving six Mon-Khmer groups (Maniq, Chong, Nyah Kur, So, Mlabri, Lavue); four Thai-related groups (Phetburi western central Thai, Phutai, Lao, Nyaw); two Austronesian groups (Moklen, Patani Malay); and one Tibeto-Burman group (Bisu). The book provides a framework and model for future developments in revitalizing Thailand’s indigenous languages.
Table of ContentsDavid Bradley: Introduction: The Importance of the Mahidol Model for Language Revitalization – Section 1: Approaches to Language Revitalization – Suwilai Premsrirat: Mahidol Model for the Preservation of Language Diversity: Thailand Experience – Suwilai Premsrirat: Orthography Development: A Tool for Language Revitalization and Preservation of Local Wisdom – Section 2: Case Studies of Language Communities – Siripen Ungsitipoonporn: The Impact of Nyah Kur Language Revitalization – Toshiyuki Doi: Cheum Chong: Outcomes and Challenges of Chong Language Revitalization Project – Mayuree Thawornpat: Lavue Revitalization Project and Networks – Kirk R. Person: Reflections on Two Decades of Bisu Language Revitalization – Kumaree Laparporn: Community Learning Centers for Ethnic Language and Culture Revitalization: A Case Study of the So (Thavung), Nyaw, Phutai and Lao – Sunee Kamnuansin: Ecological Vocabulary of Coastal Dwellers – Isara Choosri/Chumphol Phothisarn/Amornrat Ratanawong/Sarawut Kraisame: The Limit of Literacy-based Language Revival: Maniq, Mlabri, and Moklen – Section 3: Language Situation in the Deep South – Suwilai Premsrirat/Mirinda Burarungrot: Patani Malay-Thai Bi/Multilingual Education in Thailand’s Deep South – Rusdee Masor: The Situation of Code-mixing between Patani Malay and Thai by Patani Malay-speaking People in Pattani Province – Uniansasmita Samoh: Identity Issue Through the Lens of Languages and Scripts
