Thai variety of English (TE) appeared in the English for International Communication (EIC) students’ writing tasks, Faculty of Liberal Arts, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RMUTSV), Songkhla
Journal
Journal of Communication in Scientific Inquiry (JCSI)
ISSN
2710-6594
Date Issued
2020-12
Author(s)
Patcharin Kangkha
Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya
Boonyarit Omanee
Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya
Nattana Boontong
Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya
Abstract
The two purposes of this research were 1) to investigate the Thai English (TE) appeared
in the writing tasks of students in the course of English for International Communication (EIC)
at the Faculty of Liberal Arts, RUTS, Songkhla; and 2) to identify the use of TE performed in
the writing tasks by the students in the EIC Course. The subjects were 36 EIC twilight program
students who studied Writing I Course (1-2018). The research instruments were audio
recordings, feedback writing checklists and semi-structured interviews. The statistic used in
data analysis was the percentage. The findings revealed that the TE features functioned as
expressions of repetition for emphasis (42.48%), confirmation (24.32%), politeness
(14.08),and gender (12.08%) and formation of a new TE based on their group discussions in
the pre-writing activities for (6.02%) and others as (1.02%). Meanwhile, the various
characteristics of linguistic functions varied in the social functions, and the kinds of activities,
topics and settings. In addition, it was found that the linguistic motivations were mainly
employed for effective communication i.e. for better understanding, conceptualizing,
explaining difficult English concepts, reprimanding, as a tone-softener and as a language of
youth. Finally, this result is implied as significant because it will enable providers of the
writing course to recognize that TE occurs at all levels of writing tasks and activities in
particular in the pre-writing discussions and must be given appropriate attention as it can be
transferred to the writing products. It will also serve as a reference point for future research into
language changes or shifts in Thailand.