Perceptions toward Thai English: A study of university English language teachers in Thailand

ABSTRACT This study explored perceptions of university English language teachers in Thailand regarding Thai English. Using purposive-convenience sampling, 60 teachers of English from two Thai universities answered a survey; 11 of which participated in in-depth semi-structured interviews. An analysis of the survey and interview responses indicated that although the teachers would tend to embrace the legitimacy of World Englishes (WE) or English varieties and Thai English, especially in terms of different accents and the use of Thai English (along with inner circle Englishes) in media and in intranational and international communication, they still preferred American English and British English when they speak and write, and when they teach and use English in the classroom in terms of pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, examinations, and textbook preference. They were inclined to conform to the “native-speakerism” ideology enshrined in most educational institutions, although they agreed that Thai English exists as a localized variety of English, an indication that Thai English is slowly emerging or developing.