Main Translations

In the English-Thai dictionary context, "elitism" refers to the belief that a select group of people—often based on wealth, education, or social status—should hold power or influence, often at the expense of others. This concept is particularly relevant in discussions of social inequality in Thailand.

English: Elitism Thai Primary Translation: ลัทธิชนชั้นสูง (Lat-thi chon-chan sung) Phonetic: Lah-tih chon-chahn soong (pronounced with a rising tone on "sung," emphasizing the idea of "high" or "elevated" status) Explanation: In Thai culture, "ลัทธิชนชั้นสูง" carries a nuanced connotation of exclusivity and hierarchy, often evoking emotions like frustration or criticism due to Thailand's historical and social structures. Rooted in the country's feudal past and influenced by Buddhism's emphasis on merit and social order, this term is commonly used to describe situations where urban elites (e.g., in Bangkok) dominate politics, education, or business, leaving rural communities feeling marginalized. Thai people might use it in daily life during conversations about inequality, such as in protests or social media debates, where it implies a negative bias toward the "common folk." For instance, it's not just a neutral term—it's often loaded with undertones of social injustice, making it a hot topic in modern Thai discourse on democracy and class divides. A secondary translation could be "อีลิทิสม์" (Ee-lit-it-sim), a more direct borrowing from English, used in academic or formal settings like university lectures, but it's less common in everyday speech.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "elitism" (or its Thai equivalents) is frequently discussed in contexts involving social mobility, politics, and education. It's often critiqued in urban areas like Bangkok, where the concentration of wealth and power among a small elite group is evident in high-society events or corporate boardrooms. In contrast, rural regions like Chiang Mai or Isan might express the concept more indirectly through proverbs or community stories, focusing on themes of inequality without using the formal term. For example, urban dwellers might directly accuse policies of "ลัทธิชนชั้นสูง," while rural areas could reference it through cultural narratives about "the city elite vs. the village life," highlighting how geography influences language and perception.

Example Sentences

Here are a few practical examples of "elitism" in action, tailored to real-life Thai scenarios. We've selected three relevant ones—focusing on everyday talk, business, and media—to show how the word adapts across contexts.

Everyday Conversation

English: "Elitism is really dividing our community; only the wealthy get opportunities." Thai: "ลัทธิชนชั้นสูงกำลังแยกชุมชนของเราจริงๆ 只有คนรวยเท่านั้นที่ได้รับโอกาส" (Lat-thi chon-chan sung gam-lang yaek chum-chon khong rao jing—hong khon ruay tae nan thi dai rap okat) Brief Notes: This sentence might come up in a casual chat over street food in Bangkok, where friends discuss social issues. In Thai culture, it's common to soften such criticisms with humor or indirect language to maintain "kreng jai" (consideration for others' feelings), so locals might add a smile or phrase like "mai ao jai" (don't take it to heart) to keep the conversation light.

Business Context

English: "The company's elitism is preventing diverse talent from advancing." Thai: "ลัทธิชนชั้นสูงของบริษัทกำลังขัดขวางความสามารถที่หลากหลายจากการก้าวหน้า" (Lat-thi chon-chan sung khong baan-ra-bor-t kag-lang khat-khwang khwam-sam-ard thi la-ak-ay-duai jaak gaan gaap-na) Usage Context: Imagine a Bangkok business meeting where an employee raises concerns about hiring practices. In Thailand's corporate world, this term could spark debates on "bunkhun" (gratitude and loyalty), as companies often favor internal networks, reflecting cultural norms of hierarchy. Use it carefully to avoid seeming confrontational—Thais value harmony, so pair it with positive suggestions.

Literary or Media Reference

English: "In this novel, elitism among the ruling class leads to societal unrest." Thai: "ในนิยายเรื่องนี้ ลัทธิชนชั้นสูงของชนชั้นปกครองนำไปสู่ความไม่สงบในสังคม" (Nai ni-yay reuang nee, lat-thi chon-chan sung khong chon-chan pa-khroong nam pai su kwham mai song khong nai sang-khom) Source: This draws from Thai media like the book "Four Reigns" by Kukrit Pramoj, which explores historical elitism in Thai society. In modern contexts, it's echoed in news articles or TV shows discussing political protests, where elitism is a recurring theme in Thailand's push for equality.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• ชนชั้นสูง (Chon-chan sung) - Use this for a more general reference to "upper class" or elite status, especially in casual talks about wealth disparities, as it's less formal and widely understood across Thailand.
• ลัทธิพิเศษ (Lat-thi phi-set) - This term highlights exclusivity or special privileges, often in educational or social settings; it's great for discussing scenarios like elite schools in Bangkok, where access is limited.

Common Collocations:

• ลัทธิชนชั้นสูงในสังคมไทย (Lat-thi chon-chan sung nai sang-khom Thai) - Example: "The media often debates elitism in Thai society during elections." This collocation is popular in news and social media, reflecting ongoing cultural critiques.
• ปัญหาลัทธิชนชั้นสูง (Bpan-ha lat-thi chon-chan sung) - Example: "Elitism problems are worsening inequality in rural areas." Thais might use this in community forums to address real-world issues like access to healthcare.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: Elitism in Thailand is deeply intertwined with the country's history, including the absolute monarchy era and influences from Buddhism, which emphasizes a merit-based hierarchy. For instance, the "phu yai" (big people) concept—referring to leaders or elites—stems from this, and it's often seen in urban centers like Bangkok, where social events reinforce class divides. However, in a positive light, it can motivate personal achievement, as seen in the value placed on education at top universities like Chulalongkorn. Interestingly, Thai pop culture, such as lakorns (TV dramas), frequently portrays elitism as a villainous trait, helping to foster national discussions on equality. Practical Advice: For foreigners, it's wise to use words like "ลัทธิชนชั้นสูง" sparingly in conversations, as they can come across as accusatory in a culture that prioritizes "sanuk" (fun and harmony). If discussing it, frame it positively or ask questions like "What do you think about elitism in Thai society?" to show respect. Avoid misuses in sensitive settings, such as with older Thais who might associate it with traditional respect for authority—always err on the side of politeness to maintain good "face."

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "ลัทธิชนชั้นสูง," visualize a tall Thai temple (wat) representing "high" status, and link it to the English word "elite" by thinking of exclusive rooftop bars in Bangkok. This cultural connection makes pronunciation easier—practice saying "lah-tih" with a rising tone, as if you're climbing up, to mimic the word's meaning. Dialect Variations: Thai is relatively standardized due to media and education, but in northern regions like Chiang Mai, you might hear a softer pronunciation, such as "lat-thi chon-chan soong" with a more drawn-out vowel sound. In the Isan (northeastern) dialect, it could be shortened or blended into local expressions about inequality, so listen for context when traveling.