Chinese Identity and the Consciousness of Thai-Chinese People Today

Abstract

This research studied the views on the Chinese identity consciousness of Chinese people belonging to Thammasat Secondary School. Using the concept of Gagne and Deci, data were collected from questionnaires and semi-structured interviews from 195 people aged 15-18 years (students) and 36 people aged 20-45 years (teachers), totaling 231 people. They are third generation Thai-Chinese persons descended from ancestors who immigrated from China. The study framework addressed four issues: 1) farmily ties; Chinese language and identity; 3) flial piety and festivals; and 4) beliefs. The results were that, in terms of family ties, the samples saw their surname as the clearest expression of Chinese identity, even though it has been assimilated into Thai sur-names. Large family togethemess, the cartel system, and male supremacy have lessened in importance. In terms of language and identity, some samples aged from 20 to 45 believed that Thai-Chinese children should have some Chinese language skills. But overall, samples of all ages admitted to having little to no Chinese knowledge or skills, viewing Chinese as one among many languages for independent study based on personal interest. On gratitude and festivals, most samples aged from 20 to 45 considered Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival, and Qingming to be the three major festivals, meaningful as expressions of gratitude. Samples aged 15 to 18 were only farmiliar with the Chinese New Year. In terms of belief, some samples aged from 20 to 45 believed that gratitude influences the strictness of rituals, especially when ancestors are worshipped. However, most samples, including those aged from 15 to 18, held more secular outlooks and observed rituals and beliefs less strictly.