The study of Thai as a foreign language of non-formal educational institutions contributes to enhancing the cultural landscape and developing the Thai community

การเรียนการสอนภาษาไทยในฐานะภาษาต่างประเทศของสถาบันการศึกษานอกระบบที่มีส่วนหนุนเสริมภูมิทัศน์วัฒนธรรมและพัฒนาชุมชนไทย

Abstract

The study of Thai as a foreign language has contributed significantly to the dissemination of Thai cultural identity worldwide. It has the potential to boost the economy of Thai communities by promoting consumption of foreign cultures. The integration of language learning along with culture is therefore an important and challenging aspect of both informal and non-formal education. The objectives of this research were to explain the study of Thai as a foreign language contributes to enhancing the cultural landscape and developing the Thai community. This study uses a qualitative research methodology using a combination of documentary research and in-depth interviews with target audiences, including 2 institution owners and 3 teachers in Thai language institutions catering to non-native speakers. It is analyzed using the concept of reconstructionism and the concept of cultural landscape. The study found that: 1) In the context of the direction of teaching Thai as a foreign language, language strategies are used in tandem with social strategies for learning together with promoting Thai communities and cultures. 2) Non-formal Thai language educational institutions have a flexible, integrative approach to learning management and processes. It focuses on the educational aims of the learners. By adapting learning content and enhancing experiences through and outside the classroom in accordance with the needs and benefits of living in foreign societies, together with incorporating Thai cultural content both concrete and abstract. 3) Therefore, non-formal Thai language educational institutions have the ability to respond the educational aims of foreign learners. Both language learning goals, Work and implementation of economic activities by making Thai cultural goods and services into a business and disseminating them as a trend by foreign learners, along with fulfilling the mission goal of managing Thai language and culture learning of the Institute at the same time. It has both direct and indirect consequences to stimulate the local economy along with enhancing the Thai cultural landscape.