The Implication for English-Thai Mixing and Possibility of Internet Chat Rooms as Alternative Learning Environments

Abstract

This study examined motivations and attitudes towards the Thai and English mixing in the English-based chat rooms and the possibility of using the chat rooms as alternative English learning environments. The data were collected from 200 representative samples in the English chat rooms on Sanook and Pantip websites.

The findings revealed that the mixing of Thai and English was influenced by the chattersC new communicative behaviors, motivations and attitudes. The majority of the samples expressed positive attitudes towards the chat rooms and English. The main purpose of chatting in the English chat rooms was for language learning and social functions. The reason for switching of Thai and English while chatting was the incapability to express in English spontaneously. Other factors involved the lack of specific terms in English and the need to create a humorous effect and relaxed atmosphere.

Regarding the possibility for using Internet chat rooms as English learning sources, some chatters agreed that chatting in the English chat rooms helped improve their English, though there was a concern about the wrong usage of English. Moreover, the mixing had no significant impact on the chattersC English or Thai usage. Many even agreed that their English was better.

นัยทางการใช้ภาษาไทยปนภาษาอังกฤษและความเป็นไปได้ในการใช้ห้องสนทนาทางอินเทอร์เน็ตเป็นแหล่งเรียนรู้ทางเลือก

[Abstract in Thai unavailable]