On Migrating and Assimilating – Part 1 (On Thai Speak)
I have lived in 3 countries through my 39 years. The Philippines, Thailand and the U.S. Though migrating might ordinarily be perceived as a stressful event, I actually thrive in it. Perhaps that’s because on the two occasions I have, I was a single, adult woman.
Living in Thailand, I had to adjust not just to the culture, but the language. I follow the old adage, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” I find that Thai people speak very gently and this is actually purposeful. The speaking in gentler tones is all part of the whole societal hierarchy that citizens abide by. Speaking in gentle tones mean respect for the other person, whether they are deemed above or below you in hierarchy. To me, it is actually a helpful exercise in staying calm and collect….speaking in a gentler tones. On the other hand, I can see that for a Westerner, the speaking in a gentler tone can be perceived as passivity (as in the opposite of assertive). I remember Tom observing that their ‘speak’ almost sounds apologetic even though it’s not.
I learned enough survival Thai to get me by for the two years I lived there. Enough to tell a cab driver to ‘stop’, ‘turn Left,’ ‘turn Right’ and to bargain at the flea markets. I was also able to assimilate myself to speaking in gentler (what might sound sing-songy) tone although if I pronounce words real well, I find that I get longer responses that I don’t understand.
Today, I remember my Thai experience and use the same gentler tones when needed. Mostly I find that I miss the kinder, gentler manner in which they speak and wish I were on the streets of Ramkhamheng (Assumption University (Thailand)) just one more time.
