Linguistically-Limited Intercultural Adaptations of Independent Western Migrants in Thailand: “Taxi Thai” Communication Strategy
1
Issued Date
2022-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
17475759
eISSN
17475767
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85109292657
Journal Title
Journal of Intercultural Communication Research
Volume
51
Issue
3
Start Page
325
End Page
340
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Intercultural Communication Research Vol.51 No.3 (2022) , 325-340
Suggested Citation
Doungphummes N., Zarchi A. Linguistically-Limited Intercultural Adaptations of Independent Western Migrants in Thailand: “Taxi Thai” Communication Strategy. Journal of Intercultural Communication Research Vol.51 No.3 (2022) , 325-340. 340. doi:10.1080/17475759.2021.1946840 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/87061
Title
Linguistically-Limited Intercultural Adaptations of Independent Western Migrants in Thailand: “Taxi Thai” Communication Strategy
Author(s)
Author's Affiliation
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
This article examines the cultural-linguistic adaptations of independent long-staying Western migrants (IWMs) in Bangkok, Thailand, focusing on the dynamic relationship between their learning and use of Thai language and adaptations to Thai cultural norms. Through intensive interviews with 24 IWMs, we gained insights into complex experiences of the participants in which gaining cultural knowledge often forestalled their language learning and use instead of these two mechanisms acting to mutually reinforce host communication competence. The result was linguistically-limited intercultural adaptations with “Taxi-Thai” serving as a communication strategy that allowed the IWMs to accomplish effective functional relationships with Thais and psychological wellbeing.