TTLV. The linguistic situation of the Red Thai people in Vientiane, Laos.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE MASTER'S THESIS

1. Full name: Chalouvanh BOUNPHAKHOM

2. Gender:Female

3. Date of Birth: 20-09-1989 

4. Place of Birth:Vientiane, the capital of Laos.

5. Decision number for student admission:Decision No. 3556/QD-XHNV dated November 30, 2022, of the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

6. Changes in the training process: Extending the study period from December 1, 2024 to May 30, 2025 (according to Decision No. 6097/QD-XHNV dated November 8, 2024 of the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi)

7. Thesis title: The linguistic situation of the Red Thai people in Vientiane, Laos

8. Major:Linguistics

9. Code:8229020.01

10. Scientific Advisor: Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Binh, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

11. Summary of thesis results:Based on the application of theories of bilingualism, linguistic context, policy, and linguistic attitudes, this study focuses on clarifying the current state of language use among the Red Thai community in Vientiane, Laos, within the context of current socio-economic exchange. Through the analysis and evaluation of influencing factors such as natural conditions, socio-economic situation, characteristics of the Red Thai group, and the language policies of the local government, the thesis points out the prominent features of the Red Thai community's linguistic context. Quantitatively, the Red Thai community is influenced by multiple languages, including Lao, English, and other ethnic languages. The scope of Red Thai language use is increasingly shrinking. Qualitatively, the community's ability to use Red Thai, especially among the youth, is declining, with them preferring to use Lao in many situations. Attitudes among community members towards their mother tongue are also tending to change, with Lao and English being considered more prestigious and valuable. Based on an assessment of the current situation and an investigation into the causes, the thesis also proposes several solutions to maintain and promote the value of the Red Thai mother tongue, such as strengthening the teaching and learning of the Red Thai language in schools and communities, implementing appropriate preservation policies, and improving the effectiveness of policies related to language and education.

12. Practical applications:The research findings of this thesis have significant potential for practical application in managing and planning policies related to the language and culture of ethnic minorities. Assessments of the current state of Red Thai language usage under the influence of Lao, English, and socio-economic factors will serve as a basis for developing more appropriate language teaching and learning policies for the community. Raising awareness of the role and value of the mother tongue should be emphasized more in extracurricular activities, media, and local cultural forums. Recommendations on strengthening mother tongue teaching alongside the common language, and combining language education with the transmission of traditional Red Thai culture, will help balance the use of Lao and Red Thai in community life. Furthermore, clearly identifying the challenges facing the preservation and development of the Red Thai language provides authorities with a stronger basis for implementing more rational and sustainable language and cultural policies, thereby contributing to the preservation of linguistic and cultural diversity among ethnic communities in Laos. These research findings can also be referenced and applied to studies of similar cases in other countries and territories, especially in areas where Red Thai communities reside.

13. Further research directions (if any):Not available

14. Published works relevant to the thesis (list in chronological order, if any): Not available

INFORMATION ON MASTER'S THESIS

1. Full name: Chalouvanh BOUNPHAKHOM

2. Sex: Female

3. Date of birth: 20/09/1989

4. Place of birth::Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR

5. Admission decision number: 3556/QD-XHNV, November 30^th2022 of Headmaster University of Science Social and Humanity, Vietnam National University.

6. Changes in academic process: extend master course from 1^stDecember 2024 to May 30^th2025 (according to the Decision number 6097/QD-XHNV, November 8^th2024 of Headmaster University of Science Social and Humanity, Vietnam National University.

7. Official thesis title: The Linguisic Situation of Tay Daeng in Vientiane Capital, Laos

8. Major: Linguistics

9. Code: 8229020.01

10. Supervisors: Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Binh, Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University.

11. Summary of the findings of the thesis: Based on the application of theories on bilingualism, language situation, language policy, and language attitudes, this study focuses on clarifying the current state of language use among the Tai Daeng community in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, within the context of ongoing socio-economic exchanges. Through an analysis and assessment of influencing factors such as natural conditions, socio-economic circumstances, characteristics of the Tai Daeng group, and local language policies, the thesis identifies key features of the Tai Daeng language situation. In terms of quantity, the Tai Daeng community is being influenced by several languages, including Lao, English, and other ethnic minority languages. The use of the Tai Daeng language is increasingly narrowing in scope. Qualitatively, the ability to use Tai Daeng especially among younger generations is declining, with Laos being prioritized in various contexts. Community members' attitudes toward their mother tongue are also shifting, with Lao and English perceived as more prestigious and of greater practical value. Based on an evaluation of the current situation and the underlying causes, the thesis proposes several solutions to preserve and promote the value of the Tai Daeng mother tongue. These include enhancing the teaching and learning of Tai Daeng in schools and communities, implementing appropriate language preservation policies, and improving the coherence and effectiveness of language-education-related policies.

12. Practical applicability, if any:

The research findings of this thesis have strong potential for practical application in the management and formulation of policies related to the languages ​​and cultures of ethnic regions. The assessment of the current state of Tai Daeng language use under the influence of Lao, English, and various socio-economic factors serves as a foundation for developing more appropriate language teaching and learning policies for the community. Raising awareness of the role and value of the mother tongue should be emphasized in extracurricular education, media, and local cultural forums. The recommendations to strengthen mother tongue education alongside the national language, while integrating language education with the transmission of Tai Daeng traditional culture, will help create a balance between the use of Lao and Tai Daeng in community life. In addition, clearly identify the challenges in preserving and developing the Tai Daeng language provides a basis for policy-makers to implement more reasonable and sustainable language and cultural policies. This, in turn, contributes to preserving the linguistic and cultural diversity of the ethnic communities in Laos. These research results can also be referenced and applied in the study of similar cases in other countries and regions, especially in areas where Tai-speaking resides.

13. Further research directions, if any: No further research directions

14. Thesis-related publications: No thesis-related publications