A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LINGUISTIC STRATEGIES USED FOR CONDOLENCING SPEECH ACTS IN THAI AND CHINESE: A CASE STUDY OF DOG DEATHS ON THAI AND CHINESE SOCIAL NETWORKS

Abstract

This study aims to compare the linguistic strategies used for condolencing speech acts concerning the death of dogs on Thai and Chinese social networks. Data were collected from January to June 2024 from user comments responding to posts announcing dog deaths on popular platforms in Thailand and China: page “Gluta Story” on Facebook and platforms: page “憨憨金和帅帅银” (Silly Gold and Handsome Silver) on Douyin (Chinese TikTok), comprising a total of 1,000 expressions, with 500 expressions in each language. Drawing upon the theoretical framework of pragmatics, particularly the concept of linguistic strategies, the study analyzed the linguistic strategies used in condolence expressions. The findings revealed that Thai language users employed a total of 10 strategies: 1 direct strategy, 7 indirect strategies, and 2 supportive strategies, with supportive strategies such as the use of sentencefinal particles and address terms being the most frequently used to enhance politeness and gentleness, as well as to convey familiarity and closeness. This reflects Thai society’s emphasis on politeness, gentleness, and interpersonal relationships. In contrast, Chinese language users employed a total of 20 strategies: 1 direct strategy, 18 indirect strategies, and 1 supportive strategy, with indirect strategies such as reference, expressing positive emotions, the use of metaphors, and providing reasons being the most frequently used to convey indirectness and emphasize reasoning to persuade and gain the listener’s trust. This reflects Chinese society’s emphasis on logic and rationality. The study demonstrates that, although both cultures share the same communicative goal, the characteristics of language use reveal distinct cognitive systems and values.