The Winding Journey: Linguistic Suppression, Language Ideologies, and Intergenerational Literacies of Thai Chinese Families in Thailand

The dissertation focuses on the Chinese literacy experiences of different generations of Thai Chinese families in Thailand, spanning periods characterized by varying ideologies toward the Chinese language, which have either constrained or facilitated its acquisition. This qualitative work examines how evolving national policies and international politics have shaped language ideologies and the valuation of Chinese literacy within these families. The research began by investigating documents and conducting interviews with Thai Chinese individuals who attended Chinese schools during the politically turbulent period of the 1940s to 1960s when the Chinese language was unwelcome and treated as a threat. Then, it traces the subsequent generations in these families and the shifting policies up to present-day Thailand, where Chinese is highly regarded for its economic benefits. The central question is: How do different generations of Thai Chinese families in Thailand experience historical changes in policies and ideologies around literacy and language? Through narrative inquiry and ethnography within the language ecology framework, this research underscores the interplay of language ideologies, individual experiences, local dynamics, and global politics. The intergenerational lens reveals the power dynamics that time plays in personal and familial language acquisition amid globalization and neoliberalism. By exploring intergenerational narratives and memories, the research demonstrates the loss of heritage literacy and the changing ideologies regarding the valuation of Chinese across generations. It also reveals the promising power of individuals, families, and communities to resist dominant language pressures while safeguarding their unique heritage language and culture. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]