Abstract:
The aim of this study is to investigate the use of languages and dialects in Lamphun Province. It also seeks to examine the names of the languages and dialect? used by native speakers and other people. addition, it analyzes linguistic hierarchy and the speakers' awareness of ethnic identity. Data were collected by using four parts of questionaires. They were answered by eighty informants living in Lamphun, aged from 45 to 80 years.They were divided into eight groups(10 people each). It is found that there are eight languages and dialects in Lamphun. The names of languages and dialects used by native speakers are positive meanings but those used by other ethnic groups are negative meanings. These languages and dialects stand in a hierarchy based on frequency of use as follows: Chiang Mai Thai, Lamphun Thai, Yong, Lue, Pakakayo, Phrong and Mon. It is also found that the Chiang Mai Thai group has a degree of awareness of ethnic identity higher than other groups, as can be seen from their participation in various group activities.