Communication patterns of Thai people in a non-Thai context
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to identify and describe how Thais communicate in a non-Thai/foreign context, specifically, the United States. The study was grounded in a theoretical framework developed from previous research in interpersonal and intercultural/cross-communication. More specifically, Hofstede's (1980) dimensions of cultural variability were utilized to generate operational definitions and procedures for investigating Thai communication patterns in context. This research was conducted in the Greater Lafayette area, Indiana, United States. The participants included both Thais and non-Thais. The data were gathered using an ethnographic approach involving documents, in-depth interviews, direct observations, and participant observations. Two specific research questions were answered: (1) What are the "problems" Thais have when communicating with Thais and non-Thais in a non-Thai context? (2) What are the patterns displayed in the communication of Thais in a non-Thai context? Three known features of Thai communication were explored: indirectness, contextuality, and femininity.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Webb, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Communication|Linguistics|Minority & ethnic groups|Sociology
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