LANGUAGE
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THE LIMITLESS NUMBER OF THAI WORDS WHICH MEAN ' I '
One aspect of the Thai language which makes it quite unique and difficult to master by Thais and
foreigners alike,is the remakable deversity in words
which mean exactly the same thing. For example,the
first person singular pronoun, "I" in English,exist in Thai as an encless number of choices. The Thai speaker must choose from this variety and must know
which one to use for correctness and to avoid social
blunder.


( Chan) (Dichan) (Momchan) ( Klao kramomchan) (Pom) (Krapom) (Klao krapom) (Mom) (Kramom) (Klao kramom)
There are several sets of hierarchical "I" in the
Thai language,begining with ordinary words and
embellished to become social forms. The commonly used "CHAN" (male) and "DICHAN' ( female) used in
everyday speech by people of equal ranks,become
'MOMCHAN' in the royal language,and 'KLAO KRAMOMCHAN
used while speaking to the royalty of even higher
status. Another common word is 'POM' (male)'KRAPOM'
(male) and 'KLAO KRAPOM'(male) in hierarchical order
This last example is used by commoners speaking to
commoners. The royalty,speaking to other members of
the royalty,will change to the set of 'MOM'(male),
'KRAPOM'(male) and ' KLAO KRAMOM' (male)
  (Ku) ( Kha ) ( Kha pa chao) ( Kha pra putta chao)
The earlist recorded word for "I" in Thai is "Ku"
which appears in the inscription of King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai,said to be the oldest
evidence of Thai writing. This word derived from the
"T'ai dialects and is still in use today in formal and impolite usage. As the language developed.word
from began t reflect the social hierachy of the period. For example, "Kha" (lit. "servant") was used
by persons of equal social status,or by a person to
stress his superior status over the one being spoken
to. On a higher social plane, "Kha pa chao" ( Lit.
the lord's sevant") is used in formality and (Kha
pra putta chao) (lit. The Buddha's servant) is used
while speaking to the high royalty or to the King.

( Rao) (Ua) ( I )
Close friends use a wide variety of words for 'I'
which derive from other languages. Apart from the
antique word 'KU' mentioned above, there are 'RAO'
(lit. 'we') 'UA' from Chinese and 'I' from English.

(Khru) (Archan) (Attama) ( Atma)
Professionals use their titles to call themselves.
For example,teachers refer to themselves as 'KHRU'
and 'ACHARN' (AJARIYA) both derived from Sanskit.
Buddhist monks use ' ATTAMA' (ATMA)


(Pi) (Nong) (Nu) (Luk Chang) (Bow) (Kha luang) (Chai) (Ying) (Koi) (Riam) (Tu) (Tua ku)
Clos relatives use words which denote personal relationships and status. For example, 'Pi' older sibling and 'Nong' younger sibling. A subordinate
will use term of endearment to a superior such a 'Nu
(lit. Mouse), 'Luk Chang' (Lit baby elephant) 'Bow'
(lit.servant) and 'Kha Luang' (lit your servant).
In this group may be included "Chai' (lit.man) and
"Ying' (lit.Woman) which is the way some people call
themselves. The are also ethnic words: "Koi'. "Riam
"Tu' and "Tua Ku'


(Ja) (Phu khong) (Phu phan)
A large group of pronouns derive from military ranks
Not only do the rank and file call officers and enlisted men by their ranks.the officers call themselves by rank also. For example, A sergeant may
call himself " Ja' (non commisioned officer) while speaking to his men.