Media coverage
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Media coverage
Title Straying from the course: Alternative history sources are changing how the young view Thai society Degree of recognition International Media name/outlet Bangkok Post Media type Web Country/Territory Thailand Date 2/12/20 Description Learning history from new sources has led to the "political awakening" underlying the youth-led movement's stance against "royalist nationalism", academics say.
Anti-government demonstrations have swept the country for many months, calling for the ouster of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, charter amendments, and monarchy reform.
Subverting polite language
In recent months, opponents and even some of their own supporters have censured young protesters for their aggression and rudeness.
Chavalin Svetanant, a linguistics lecturer at Macquarie University in Australia, said their use of language -- characterised by its impolite, satirical, and coded nature -- serves as a subversive weapon to challenge the status quo.
"Thai politeness centres around hierarchical relationships. To deconstruct the perceived norm of politeness is to challenge hegemonic power whether it is acceptable or not. This is part of their democratic movement," she said.Producer/Author THANA BOONLERT URL https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2028507/straying-from-the-course Persons Chavalin Svetanant