English of Pattaya ladyboys: Expressions of Thainess through friendly conversation

This qualitative study explores the distinctive linguistic characteristics of the English variety used by Thai Pattaya ladyboys, focusing on how Thainess is expressed through their language. Although English serves as a lingua franca in Thailand’s tourism industry, local cultural and linguistic influences give rise to unique varieties, such as Thai English (ThaiE). As a subculture, Pattaya ladyboys may incorporate elements of Thai identity and gender expression into their use of English. Drawing on literature about language, gender, ThaiE, and World Englishes, this research investigates the spoken English of ladyboys through free conversational interviews with 10 participants. The data was analysed to identify distinctive linguistic and stylistic features framed within established ThaiE processes such as transfer, translation, borrowing, and hybridization. By examining how this community constructs its English variety, the study seeks to uncover how Thainess and gender identity influence the nativization of English. The findings aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the intersection between language, culture, and gender in shaping a specific English variety.