A Comparative Study of Everyday Vocabulary in Formal and Informal Thai and Chinese Languages

Abstract

This research aims to 1) categorize everyday vocabulary in formal and informal language levels in both Thai and Chinese, and 2) compare the use of everyday vocabulary between these two language levels in Thai and Chinese. A qualitative research method was employed, utilizing relevant literature and research to examine the data through theoretical concepts and presenting the findings descriptively. The everyday vocabulary in formal and informal language levels in both Thai and Chinese was classified into four groups: (1) nouns, (2) adjectives, (3) verbs, and (4) pronouns. The findings reveal that 1) the categorization of everyday vocabulary in formal and informal language levels in Thai and Chinese is quite similar, and 2) when comparing the use of this vocabulary in both languages, it was found that nouns, adjectives, verbs, and pronouns share similarities due to both countries relying on context, situation, environment, and interpersonal relationships when selecting formal or informal vocabulary for communication. As for the differences, Chinese has fewer pronouns compared to Thai. Additionally, the use of formal and informal language in Thai communication is more complex in terms of emotional expression than in Chinese, where the meaning of words is often clearer and more straightforward.