Linguistic Diversity and Language Policies in Thai Education: Challenges and Opportunities in Multilingual Classrooms
Keywords:
Linguistic Diversity, Language Policies, Thai Education, Multilingual Classrooms, English Medium InstructionAbstract
This paper explores the complexities and opportunities surrounding linguistic diversity and language policies in Thai education, particularly in multilingual classrooms. With over 70 languages spoken across the country, Thailand’s classrooms are increasingly diverse, presenting unique challenges for educators and policymakers. The focus on Standard Thai in education has often marginalized minority languages, impacting students' learning experiences and cultural identities. The paper discusses how current language policies can be reformed to embrace multilingualism, fostering inclusivity and enhancing educational outcomes. Special attention is given to the role of English Medium Instruction (EMI) in universities and the integration of local languages into the curriculum, as well as strategies like Mother Tongue Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) to improve language proficiency and academic success. By drawing comparisons with multilingual education systems in other countries, the paper suggests that Thailand can benefit from more inclusive language practices that support both local and global linguistic needs.
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