Discourse Analysis on China–Thailand Cooperation within the Context of CATTI Thai Translation and Interpreting Exam Texts

Abstract

This article investigates China–Thailand cooperation within the context of the CATTI Thai Translation and Interpreting Examination by applying Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as the analytical framework, drawing on Fairclough’s model and van Dijk’s theoretical perspectives. Adopting a qualitative research approach, the study collects data from articles on China–Thailand cooperation published through the official CATTI Thai account on the WeChat platform. The data are analyzed across three dimensions: the textual dimension, the discursive practice dimension, and the socio-cultural practice dimension. The findings show that, at the textual level, the articles employ a range of linguistic strategies, including: 1. the use of positively connoted vocabulary and policy-oriented terminology; 2. the emphasis on “joint action” through lexical choices and grammatical structures; 3. the use of process-oriented and cohesive sentence structures; and 4.rhetorical organization and emphasis through information arrangement. At the level of discursive practice, the dissemination of texts via an examination and professional certification platform contributes to presenting the discourse of China–Thailand cooperation as neutral, authoritative, and widely accepted knowledge. At the socio-cultural practice level, the discourse reflects several underlying ideologies:1. China–Thailand relations as a positive and mutually supportive development partnership; 2. peaceful diplomacy and win-win cooperation; 3. continuity and stability in strategic relations; 4.the elevation of bilateral cooperation toward regional and global ideological frameworks; 5. the important role of the people in advancing cooperation; and 6. the normalization of China–Thailand cooperation as a taken-for-granted meaning. This study extends research on the discourse of China–Thailand cooperation to the context of translation and interpreting examinations and training, highlighting this domain as an important communicative space for the transmission and legitimation of ideology in cross-cultural communication.