The language contact phenomenon in Thailand: English borrowing, comprehension, and public attitudes

As the English lexicon has become more frequently borrowed and used in Thai mass media social media, Thais are quickly adapting to such foreignness open language contact-induced change. The current study explores extent of public’s familiarity with words contemporary public attitudes toward borrowing. participants comprised 120 who voluntarily completed a questionnaire. They were from different age groups relatively highly educated. instrument for data collection was an online three-part questionnaire probing demographic information, individual’s comprehension as tested via 15 questions lexical borrowing context, personal views probed about Follow-up interviews six selected respondents according verified elicited findings revealed that high exposure resulted level comprehension, especially when transcribed script tone markers. If Romanized script, it less likely be understood. majority recognized need communication, terminology. also expressed positive adoption practice. perceived necessary effective particularly among acquaintances professionals. ubiquity society today led general adaptability acceptance part evolution; practices no longer sign prestige. suggests classrooms should consider using lexicons assist EFL learners developing proficiency.