Thingking more. Than speaking
Aj. Paul: I think I understand what the student means, but in English we would say that the wai is a gesture used among Thai people or in Thai culture. Just like we can’t say that a handshake is an American culture. We would have to say that a handshake is a gesture usually used in meeting new people in American culture.
Aj. Wanee: So is it just a problem of translation?
Aj. Paul: It may be, but I wonder if it’s more than that. I think the word “culture” and “วัฒนธรรม” might be used in ways that don’t always mean the same. “Culture” is an old word, almost 300 years old, with many meanings, both positive and negative, referring to individuals and groups. What about “วัฒนธรรม”?
Aj. Wanee: As far as I know, the word วัฒนธรรม was created in the 1930s. Many, maybe most, Thais use it to mean good things that make us distinctive from others, but the meanings may be changing. That’s what I learned in fourth grade social studies anyway.
Aj. Paul: Hmmm. I think many of my students confuse the English word “culture” with what we would call things in or aspects of a culture. One common meaning in English is shared beliefs, values, attitudes, as well as behaviors, both good and bad, of a specific group, so culture is made up of many things. I think there may be a similar confusion among my students with the word “alphabet.” In English, an alphabet is always a collection of letters, but many Thai students say English has 26 alphabets. It has one alphabet with 26 letters. Are the words for alphabet and letter the same in Thai?
Aj. Wanee: Well, they can be distinguished, but they often aren’t in everyday speech. I get confused sometimes too. So are you saying that “culture” is a collective noun with many aspects? You do say “cultures” too, don’t you?
Aj. Paul: Yes, but then we’re speaking of different groups, like French culture, Tibetan culture, or Korean culture.
Aj. Wanee: So we should teach our students that sometimes the word “วัฒนธรรม” can be used in the same way as “culture” but sometimes it can’t. How would they know?
Aj. Paul: Sadly, there are no shortcuts or simple rules. But one should never call a single behavior or belief a “culture.” It’s a part of a culture. Correct usage takes a long time to learn, like I’m finding out learning your language. Maybe it never ends, since usage is changing all the time.
Aj. Wanee: Just like cultures, changing all the time.
Aj. Paul: You’re right about that. Thanks for your help. I’ve got another class.
Aj. Wanee: Me too. See you later.
Aj. Wanee: Bye.