The Development of Classifiers in The Thai Language

Abstract

This study focuses on the development of classifiers in Thai, analyzing their types, usage, and trends of change in various contexts, both in standard Thai and dialects. The research employs descriptive and comparative analysis methods, collecting data from various sources such as Thai documents, online news, literature, and everyday conversations.
The research findings indicate that classifiers in the Thai language are changing due to social and cultural factors, such as the influence of foreign languages, the increasing use of informal speech, and the trend of reducing or using general classifiers instead of specific ones. Additionally, the study found the creation of new classifiers to align with modern contexts and technological advancements.
These findings enhance the understanding of the development of classifiers in Thai and serve as a guideline for developing linguistic principles, including the teaching of Thai as both a native and foreign language.