Main Translations

English Word: Bigotry Thai Primary Translation: อคติ (akati) Phonetic (Romanized Pronunciation): Ah-ka-tee (with a rising tone on "ka" and a falling tone on "tee") Explanation: In Thai, "อคติ" refers to a strong, irrational prejudice or bias against people based on their beliefs, race, religion, or background. It's not just a neutral term; it carries emotional weight, often evoking feelings of frustration or disappointment in Thai society, where harmony and respect (known as "kreng jai") are highly valued. For instance, Thai people might use "อคติ" in daily conversations to discuss social issues like discrimination against ethnic minorities, such as the hill tribes in the north. Unlike in English, where "bigotry" can sound formal, "อคติ" is commonly woven into casual talks about fairness, and it might subtly imply a call for empathy—reflecting Thailand's Buddhist-influenced culture that emphasizes tolerance.

Secondary Translation: ความลำเอียง (kwam lam aeng) This is a softer alternative, meaning "bias" or "partiality," and is used when the prejudice is less intense. It's often employed in professional or educational settings to describe unfair judgments without the strong negative connotation of "อคติ."

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "bigotry" and its translations like "อคติ" are most commonly discussed in contexts involving social justice, media, or education, rather than casual chit-chat. For example, urban dwellers in Bangkok might reference it during debates on TV shows about racial equality, influenced by global events. In contrast, rural areas like Chiang Mai could express similar ideas through storytelling or community discussions, often tying it to local customs and the need to maintain "face" (saving dignity). Overall, the concept is approached with caution to preserve social harmony, but it's increasingly relevant in Thailand's diverse, multicultural society—think of interactions between Thai locals and expatriates in tourist hubs.

Example Sentences

To make this practical, here are a few relevant examples drawn from everyday Thai life. I've selected scenarios that highlight how "bigotry" might appear in conversations, focusing on cultural sensitivity and real-world application. Everyday Conversation English: "His bigotry towards immigrants is really disappointing." Thai: การอคติของเขาต่อผู้ย้ายถิ่นนั้นน่าผิดหวังมาก (Kan akati khong khao to phu yaay thin nan na phit wang mak) Brief Notes: This sentence could come up in a casual coffee shop chat in Bangkok, where people discuss social media posts about migration. In Thai culture, it's important to phrase such criticisms gently to avoid confrontation, as directness might be seen as rude—always pair it with empathy to keep the conversation "sanuk" (fun and light-hearted). Business Context English: "We need to address bigotry in the workplace to foster a more inclusive team." Thai: เราต้องจัดการกับอคติในที่ทำงานเพื่อสร้างทีมที่เปิดกว้างมากขึ้น (Rao dtong jing gan gap akati nai thi tham ngan pheua sathap thim thi bpai gwang mak kheun) Usage Context: Imagine this in a Bangkok business meeting with international clients, where diversity training is on the agenda. In Thailand's corporate world, emphasizing teamwork and respect is key, so using this phrase shows cultural awareness and helps build "bunkhun" (gratitude and mutual respect) among colleagues. Literary or Media Reference English: "The novel explores bigotry through the eyes of a young activist fighting for equality." Thai: เรื่องราวในนิยายสำรวจอคติผ่านสายตาของนักกิจกรรมเยาวชนที่ต่อสู้เพื่อความเสมอภาค (Reu rao nai niyay samruay akati phuan sai dta khong nak kit cham yao chon thi dtorsu pheua kwam sam o phak) Source: Inspired by Thai literature like "The Scent of Green Papaya" or modern media discussions on platforms like Thai PBS, where social issues are often depicted. This usage highlights how Thai stories use "อคติ" to promote reflection, aligning with the country's tradition of using art to encourage unity.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms: Common Collocations:

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, "bigotry" touches on deep cultural values like "mai pen rai" (it's okay, don't worry), which promotes letting go of grudges to maintain peace. Historically, the concept has roots in Thailand's history of ethnic diversity, from ancient kingdoms dealing with minority groups to modern challenges like the Rohingya crisis. Socially, it's often viewed as a barrier to "kreng jai," the art of being considerate, and can evoke strong reactions in a society that prizes Buddhism's teachings on compassion. Interestingly, while bigotry exists, Thais might address it indirectly through humor or proverbs, rather than head-on, to preserve harmony. Practical Advice: If you're a foreigner, use words like "อคติ" sparingly and with sensitivity—Thais appreciate when outsiders show respect for local customs. Avoid bringing it up in casual settings; instead, save it for meaningful discussions, like volunteer work or educational events. A common misuse is assuming it's as blunt as in English; in Thailand, framing it positively (e.g., "Let's overcome akati together") can make conversations more productive.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "อคติ" (ah-ka-tee), think of it as "a catty attitude"—picture a cat (which is "maew" in Thai) being unfairly picky, linking the word's sound to its meaning of prejudice. This visual association can make pronunciation stick, especially since the "ka" sound is short and sharp, like a cat's meow. Dialect Variations: While "อคติ" is standard across Thailand, in northern regions like Chiang Mai, you might hear a softer pronunciation with a more drawn-out vowel, such as "ahh-ka-tee," influenced by local dialects. In the Isan (northeastern) area, people may use related phrases from Lao-influenced speech, but the core word remains consistent for clarity in formal contexts.

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