PASAA
Publication Date
1987-01-01
Abstract
Through eight situations the author shows cultural and linguistic differences between Thais and Americans in the seemingly simple acts of greeting and leave-taking. In "Initial Greetings", cultural differences at one's work place are highlighted, specifically the inappropriateness of greeting superiors verbally in the Thai context. Reference is also made to phrases acceptable in Thai but which when translated are too direct in English. Further examples of this are given in the next two situations, "Passing in the Street." In situation four, "Greetings Involving Personal Comments" differences in what are acceptable subjects for comment are shown, the example given being weight, which is acceptable for Thais but not for Americans. The fact that conversations are closed quickly in Thai but tend to be drawn gradually to a close in English is the difference considered in the fifth situation, "Leave-Taking on the Telephone". This difference also applies in the next situation, "Leave-Taking from a Friend's House." The final two situations "Giving Encouragement in Leave-Taking" and ''Leave-Taking after a Social Function" concentrate on possible grammatical errors resulting from translation of Thai phrases to English.
DOI
10.58837/CHULA.PASAA.17.2.1
First Page
1
Last Page
12
Recommended Citation
Sukwiwat, Mayuri and Fieg, John
(1987)
"Greeting and Leave-Taking,"
PASAA: Vol. 17:
Iss.
2, Article 1.
DOI: 10.58837/CHULA.PASAA.17.2.1
Available at:
https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/pasaa/vol17/iss2/1