Linguistics and Buddhism
How Buddhism Shaped the Thai Language and Mentality
Examining the role of Buddhism in Thai politeness and respect forms, with anecdotes, examples, and cultural nuances
Today, I’d like to discuss the Thai language, mentality, and how Buddhism shaped them. There are a few English books about Thailand, but they are not really about Thai culture.
Around ten years ago, before moving to Thailand, I read “Private Dancer” and “Thailand Fever.” However, they’re all about prostitution — for those readers who choose to bind their fate to extra easy-going girls.
Despite the dodgy plot of the books, I found invaluable insights in them. I’m serious! I learned from them that Thais like to use allegorical language and prefer to say something important through intermediaries, usually people they know well. It helped me a lot in the very beginning.
However, in almost nine years of living in Thailand, I have learned much more exciting information, which shows Thailand from a completely different side — a good and mysterious side.
The Thai language, Buddhism, and Thai mentality are all intertwined. From positive language structure to ceremonial speech, it is influenced by Buddhism.
Are you ready for a fascinating journey into mysterious Thailand? Let’s fly!
Buddhism and the Thai Language
Thailand has the second-largest number of Buddhists in the world after China, and Buddhism is the major religion of Thailand. In 2023, the Buddhist faith is practiced by approximately 90 percent of Thailand’s population.
As a result, Thais avoid using negative language in their speech in order to follow Buddhist teachings and avoid worsening their Karma.
Positive sentence structures
Thai people use preferably positive language. You will not hear the word ‘worse’ from a polite Thai — they just don’t say it. Yet, if they need to compare something, they use positive structures.
For instance, they wouldn’t say, “Steve speaks English worse than Jake;” instead, they would say, “Jake speaks English better than Steve.”
Do you feel the difference?
Thais also avoid the word ‘bad’ (แย่), which in Thai sounds similar to the English ‘yeah.’ You are more likely to hear ‘not good’ (ไม่ดี) from a Thai, which sounds ‘my dee.’
Meanwhile, ‘bad’ is considered an impolite word, and you will never hear it from a decent Thai. For example, you will definitely not hear it from a Thai teacher, so it demonstrates a lack of good manners.
You might say, “Hey, is there an actual difference between ‘bad’ and ‘not good’?”
Yes, there is, but I didn’t get it initially.
In my very first year of teaching in Thailand, I repeatedly said playfully and artistically to my students, ‘Not bad, not bad’ as a compliment. However, one day the head of my department came up to me.
“Alex,” he began, with a thoughtful expression on his face, “Your approach with songs is okay, and our students enjoy your lessons. However, there’s a subtle issue.”
Curiosity piqued, “What kind of issue?”
His eyes bore a sense of cultural wisdom as he replied, “You know, we just don’t say ‘not bad’ in Thailand to the students.”
“Why?”
He chose his words carefully, “Well, it made the kids a bit upset.”
I couldn’t help but feel surprised. “Really? I meant well.”
“I understand it, Alex. Don’t worry, please! Just avoid such phrases with ‘bad,’ ok?”
“Sure, no problem!” With newfound cultural insight, I nodded gratefully.
After some thought, I came to the conclusion that it makes sense. Because saying ‘bad’ instead of ‘not good’ is a completely negative remark, whereas ‘not good’ might be construed in a variety of ways. It can be enjoyable, painful, or unpleasant.
However, if we say ‘bad,’ we are referring to something negative. Since then, I have never used the word ‘bad’ not only to students but also to Thai adults.
As you might have guessed, Buddhism has played a vital role in this positive thinking, as it is a religion that avoids negative language, negative thoughts, and negative comparisons, but not only that.
Better a sweet lie than the bitter truth
Thais avoid direct criticism as Buddhism teaches; they generally avoid criticism. So when they want to say that You, for example, should be more polite with the students, they would say, “In one school, the foreigners are a bit rude to the students,” and you have to guess that they are talking about You.
Thais won’t directly tell you to your face what they think, but they are very resourceful in conveying their mild displeasure.
However, many expats in Thailand have no idea about this aspect. I often see foreigners on forums complaining about Thais cheating them. The classic forum complaint is:
“You know, folks! I worked for a year in a Thai school, they said I was doing a good job when I asked them. Then they said they decided not to recruit foreigners this year. So, I’m unemployed since April. Why did they lie to me that everything was ok?”
The bottom line is that Thais never say a bad thing. So, I never ask them what they think of my work — it makes no sense. They will always say good or very good words.
They don’t lie; instead, they don’t want to upset you or cause moral distress or suffering. Even though I do my best and know some approaches, it’s very challenging to understand Thai people sometimes.
Politeness and Respect
Buddhism is reflected in the language’s politeness and respect forms. There are formal and informal ways of speaking that are used to show respect to elders, monks, and those in higher social positions.
Using the appropriate level of politeness and proper vocabulary is essential in Thai communication.
Let me give you one example from my life experience, which took place around seven years ago. I once wanted to compliment Thai people for the sumptuous table of food, so all the dishes were amazingly delicious and in great abundance.
I wanted to emphasize that such an abundance of delicious food is almost certainly provided for monarchs — the best and highest quality cuisine.
Of course, words like royal food or royal table were not known to me, so I just used http://www.thai-language.com (the best Thai-English dictionary), and I found “เครื่องต้น” (Khrueang Ton) which means royal utensils; royal wardrobe; food for royalty.
I tried to form a sentence with my tiny vocabulary at the moment, “อร่อยมาก เครื่องต้นดี” (Aroi mak! Khrueang Ton Dee!) — that was awkward. I thought I said, “Very delicious! Good royal food!”
Thais would smile if they read my piece because they would realize how ridiculous my term sounded. It seemed a bit impolite, especially given that I am a foreigner.
So the reaction of the Thai people was as if there had been a misunderstanding. They politely explained to me later that these words are only used for the King and only in certain circumstances. They realized that I meant well, so they were surprised rather than outraged.
I just planned to make Thai people happy because, in my country, it would be a great compliment about food.
How could I know that I shouldn’t say it as a compliment in Thailand? I was sure I made the best compliment ever … but not really, as I realized it later.
Buddhist Terminology
Many Buddhist terms and concepts have made their way into the Thai language. Some words related to monks “พระ” (Phra), and religious ceremonies are commonly used in everyday speech but don’t have their equivalents in other languages.
Some examples.
a) “พระมหาชนมพรรษา” (Phra Mahachat Maponsa): This term refers to the Buddha’s Great Renunciation, which is a significant event in the Buddha’s life when he left his palace to become an ascetic in search of enlightenment.
Example sentence: “พระมหาชนมพรรษาเป็นเหตุการณ์ที่ทรงสำคัญในพุทธพระคุณ” (phra mahachat maponsa pen het kan tee song samkhan nai putta phra khun) means “The Buddha’s Great Renunciation is an important event in the life of the Buddha.”
b) “วันวิสาขบูชา” (Wan Visakha Bucha): This term refers to Visakha Bucha Day, one of the most important Buddhist holidays in Thailand, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha.
Example sentence: “วันวิสาขบูชาเป็นวันสำคัญที่สุดในประเทศไทย” (wan visakha bucha pen wan samkhan tee sut nai prathet Thai) means “Visakha Bucha Day is the most important day in Thailand.”
c) “พระมหาชนมพรรษา” (Phra Mahachat Maponsa): This term refers to the Buddha’s Great Renunciation, which is a significant event in the Buddha’s life when he left his palace to become an ascetic in search of enlightenment.
Example sentence: “พระมหาชนมพรรษาเป็นเหตุการณ์ที่ทรงสำคัญในพุทธพระคุณ” (phra mahachat maponsa pen het kan tee song samkhan nai putta phra khun) means “The Buddha’s Great Renunciation is an important event in the life of the Buddha.”
So many definitions in Thai simply have no analog in other languages and cannot be translated but understood. Some examples below.
a) “กรรมสิทธิ์” (Karma Sitt).
This phrase is directly related to the Buddhist concept of karma, which means the consequences of one’s actions. In Thai, “กรรม” (karma) is often used to refer to the principle of cause and effect, where good actions lead to good outcomes and bad actions lead to bad outcomes.
So, “กรรมสิทธิ์” is often used to describe someone who is experiencing the consequences of their actions.
Use: If someone who was dishonest in the past encounters difficulties in their life, you might hear others say, “เขาเป็นกรรมสิทธิ์ตัวเอง” (kao pen karma sitt tua eng), which means “They are reaping the consequences of their own karma.”
b) “สมองว่างเปล่าเหมือนห้องปฏิบัติธรรม” (Samong Wang Plao Meuan Hong Pattri Tam).
This expression draws a comparison between an empty mind and a meditation room. It emphasizes the idea of mental clarity, tranquility, and the importance of meditation, which are central concepts in Buddhism.
Use: If someone is stressed and needs to clear their mind, you might suggest, “ลองทำสมองว่างเปล่าเหมือนห้องปฏิบัติธรรม” (laong tam samong wang plao meuan hong pattri tam), which means “Try to make your mind as empty as a meditation room.”
c) “เรื่องนี้ต้องตายไม่มีทาน” (Rueng Nee Tong Dtai Mai Mee Tan).
This phrase highlights the inevitability of death, which is a fundamental teaching in Buddhism. It suggests that some matters are beyond one’s control and are ultimately insignificant in the grand scheme of life.
Use: When faced with a challenging situation that can’t be changed, someone might say, “เรื่องนี้ต้องตายไม่มีทาน” (rueng nee tong dtai mai mee tan), which means “This matter is bound to end; there’s nothing to be done about it.”
Influence on Idioms and Expressions
Thai idiomatic expressions and proverbs often have Buddhist origins or themes. Concepts such as karma, meditation, and enlightenment are woven into the language’s idiomatic expressions, reflecting the cultural and religious values of the Thai people.
Some proverbs, for example.
a) “เห็นดีเป็นเนิน ไม่เห็นชั่วเป็นลาน” (Hen Dee Pen Neern, Mai Hen Chua Pen Laan).
This proverb suggests the importance of focusing on the positive aspects of a situation and not dwelling on the negative. It encourages optimism and a mindful attitude, which aligns with Buddhist teachings on the importance of a positive mindset.
Example: When someone is overly critical or pessimistic, you might remind them, “เห็นดีเป็นเนิน ไม่เห็นชั่วเป็นลาน” (hen dee pen neern, mai hen chua pen laan) to encourage a more positive outlook.
b) “มีเสน่ห์เหมือนพระเจ้า” (Mee Sa-naa Meuan Phra-jao).
This expression, which means “charming like a deity,” reflects the idea that a person possesses qualities or characteristics that are virtuous and admirable, akin to the qualities attributed to Buddhist deities and enlightened beings.
Example: If someone is exceptionally kind and compassionate, you might say, “เธอมีเสน่ห์เหมือนพระเจ้า” (ther mee sa-naa meuan phra-jao) to praise their virtues.
c) “ให้สู้กับชีวิตเหมือนวัดข้าวไม่มีให้” (Hai Soo Kap Chee-wit Meuan Wat Khao Mai Mee Hai).
This expression encourages resilience and the idea of facing life’s challenges with determination, just as one would continue to offer food to monks at a temple, even if there is a limited supply.
Example: When someone is going through a tough time, you might offer them encouragement by saying, “ให้สู้กับชีวิตเหมือนวัดข้าวไม่มีให้” (hai soo kap chee-wit meuan wat khao mai mee hai).
Ceremonial Language
Thai has a distinct ceremonial language that is used in religious rituals and formal occasions, especially when addressing monks or during royal events. This form of the language is highly formal and is deeply influenced by Buddhist traditions.
Here are some details about the ceremonial language in Thai:
1. Addressing Monks and Religious Figures: When speaking to monks or addressing religious figures, Thais use specific honorific terms and expressions to show respect.
2. Royal Ceremonies: Thai ceremonial language is also prominently featured during royal events and ceremonies. The Thai monarchy has long-standing connections with Buddhism, and royal rituals often incorporate Buddhist elements. The language used in these contexts is highly formal and includes specific vocabulary and expressions.
3. Temple Ceremonies: Ceremonial language is integral to various temple rituals and ceremonies, such as ordination ceremonies for novice monks and religious festivals. These ceremonies involve specific chants, prayers, and recitations, all of which are conducted using formal and respectful language.
4. Funerals: Funerals in Thailand are significant events with deep ties to Buddhism. The language used during funeral ceremonies is solemn and respectful, with specific expressions and prayers dedicated to the deceased’s journey to the afterlife.
5. Traditional Events: Thai culture is rich with traditional events and ceremonies that have a strong Buddhist influence. For instance, events like Songkran (Thai New Year) and Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights) often include rituals and prayers conducted in ceremonial language.
It should be noted that in my first year in Thailand, I was lucky enough to meet expats who gave me a lot of sound advice. One of them was about the royal family.
“Never discuss anything about the royal family of Thailand unless the Thais themselves start talking to you about it. But they will never start a conversation with you about the royal family. So keep in mind, if you don’t want problems, just don’t touch the subject.” One wise expat said.
This was some of the best advice I received early on in my life in the Kingdom. However, Thai people are happy to speak about their culture and traditions.
As we come to the end of our look at how Buddhism has changed the Thai language and way of thinking, we learn more about how culture and faith are linked. With its focus on the positive, complicated word system, and use of Buddhist terms, the Thai language shows how Buddhism has shaped Thai culture for a long time.
It reminds us that language is not a fixed thing but rather a living thing that changes based on our values and beliefs. By knowing this connection, we can see more of the intricate weaving of Thai culture and the deep effect Buddhism has had on the language of this lively country.
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