Language attitude and language choice in communication of the Bang Lamphu Mon people, Ban Laem District, Phetchaburi Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study and compare the attitudes toward Standard Thai and Mon languages and language choice in communication among the Bang Lamphu Mon people, Ban Laem District, Phetchaburi Province, according to age range. The language data were collected from a sample group of Bang Lamphu Mon people in Ban Laem District, Phetchaburi Province by purposive sampling, totaling 60 people, according to the social factor of age, divided into three age groups: 40–50 years old, 60–70 years old, and 80–90 years old. The instruments used for data collection were multiple-choice questionnaires and unstructured interviews.   The results of the study on attitudes toward language found that the sample groups in all three age groups had positive attitudes toward Standard Thai and Mon languages. Those aged 40–50 years had the most positive average attitudes toward the Standard Thai language. Those aged 80–90 years had the most positive average attitudes toward the Mon language. The results of the study on language choice in communication found that all three age groups chose to use the Standard Thai language the most, followed by the Mon language. Those aged 40–50 years had a higher average choice of the Mon language in communication than the other two age groups. The sample groups in all three age groups chose to use two languages, Mon language mixed with Standard Thai language, the least.