Linguistically-Limited Intercultural Adaptations of Independent Western Migrants in Thailand: “Taxi Thai” Communication Strategy

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.