Volume: 11  Number: 2  Page: 170–188  doi:10.2167/beb492.0

Literacy in Local Languages in Thailand: Language Maintenance in a Globalised World1

Kimmo Kosonen SIL International and Payap University, Chiang Mai, Thailand

In a globalised world, literacy in local languages is affected by at least three significant trends: globalisation, regionalisation and nationalism. Literacy in local languages plays a major role in language maintenance and the management of identity. Local literacies in local languages can also be a source of resistance to the rapid sociocultural change and the emerging multilingual markets. Literacy in the national or an international language may be an assimilating force, as literacy is increasingly seen as a capital investment for future. This paper discusses local language literacy in the maintenance of ethnolinguistic minority languages in Thailand. Until recently, most activities have been implemented by the civil society, but State involvement is increasing. The increasing government attention to minority languages is revolutionary when compared to the situation in Thailand before the 1990s.

Keywords: globalisation, literacy, local language, minority language, Thailand, language maintenance

© 2008 K. Kosonen

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