The semicolon.

In Thai English writing in academic articles and theses, the semicolon is often used incorrectly.

The semicolon may be popular with writers of Thai English in articles and theses because it seems serious and dignified. Also, the shape of this punctuation mark can be vaguely reminiscent of a shrimp or prawn, favorites in the Thai kitchen; this may be another possible cause for its popularity. For whatever reason, if Thai writers insist on using a semicolon, it is necessary to understand what it is and when to use it.

When to use a semicolon.

Semicolons are used to join two independent clauses with associated content, rather than writing two short separate sentences. In this way, the words after the semicolon should really seem to proceed from what was stated in the first part of the sentence.

Urban development led to increasing income inequalities and unprecedented migration from rural areas into Bangkok; its population surged from 1.8 to 3 million in the 1960s.

Bangkok had become an important customs outpost by as early as the 15th century; the title of its customs official is given as Nai Phra Khanon Thonburi in a document from the reign of Ayutthayan king Chao Sam Phraya (1424–48).

The second example above is so long that it could easily be stated in two separate sentences.

Another use for the semicolon.

If what you have to say already contains a list with one or more commas, a semicolon or semicolons can be used to avoid confusing your readers by adding yet more commas to the mix:

Thai cuisine involves intricacy; attention to detail; texture; color; taste; and the use of ingredients with medicinal benefits, as well as good flavor.

Things to remember.

If you have written independent clauses which may stand as separate complete sentences, they should be separated by a semicolon and not just a comma.

Noodle soup can be eaten at any time of day; it is served with many combinations of proteins, vegetables, and spicy condiments.

It would be incorrect to write:

Noodle soup can be eaten at any time of day, it is served with many combinations of proteins, vegetables, and spicy condiments.

Similarly, a semicolon rather than a comma should be used in the following:

Miang kham contains dried shrimp and other ingredients wrapped in cha plu leaves; it is often eaten as a snack or a starter.

Again, a semicolon is used because if you tried to write the same thing with a comma instead of a semicolon, the result would be a clumsy run-on sentence and a mess:

Miang kham contains dried shrimp and other ingredients wrapped in cha plu leaves, it is often eaten as a snack or a starter.

In such cases, it can be easiest to just write two or even three short sentences rather than get tangled up by offering more information than a single sentence can easily contain.

Khao niao or sticky rice is eaten as a staple food in the North and Northeast of Thailand; it is traditionally steamed.

Note that since the subjects of the two phrases above are clearly related, the information given in both parts of the sentence is associated; the semicolon fits in naturally. If further or different information is given in the second part of the sentence, it may just be better to start a new sentence entirely rather than continue one that could possibly confuse the reader:

Khao niao or sticky rice is eaten as a staple food in the North and Northeast of Thailand. It can be washed down with many popular beverages made from a base of coconut milk.

Since the first part of the sentence above discusses things to eat and the second part things to drink, then two distinct sentences present the information in the clearest way. Otherwise your readers might waste time trying to figure out some closer connections among the various parts of your sentence than there are in reality.

When your sentence has words such as for example, moreover, therefore, consequently, otherwise, nevertheless, thus, and however, semicolons can be appropriate:

Sai ua is a grilled sausage with many ingredients; for example, ground pork mixed with spices and herbs, often served with chopped fresh ginger and chilies.

I ate several large servings of Sai ua; nevertheless, I still felt hungry.

I had only one small plate of Sai ua; consequently, I still felt hungry.

Because of the way English is taught in the Kingdom, far too many such words – the technical term is conjunctive adverb – are used in Thai English. Thai writers of English seem to feel that adding them gives a sense of logical continuity to whatever is written. When they are used rarely, this can be the effect; when they are used in almost every sentence, these  words can give a pompous, bloated, and over-formal tone to whatever is being expressed. Words such as moreover, therefore, and thus are best used rarely to make sure whatever you write remains readable.

When not to use semicolons.

Sometimes you need a comma and not a semicolon, such as when the different parts of your sentence are not independent clauses. If they cannot stand alone as separate sentences, then you cannot use a semicolon; a comma will have to do. It would be wrong to say:

Because Bangkok has terrible traffic; I decided to move to Ko Panyi.

It would be correct to write instead:

Because Bangkok has terrible traffic, I decided to move to Ko Panyi.

If your sentence has words such as and, but, for, or, nor, so, or yet – all of these are called coordinating conjunctions – then a comma may be more suitable than a semicolon:

My final exam is tomorrow, and I plan to study all night for it.

If you remove the word and from the above, then you may use a semicolon, since once again we see two independent clauses which can stand on their own as sentences.

My final exam is tomorrow; I plan to study all night for it.

I studied hard all night, but I still failed the exam.

I studied hard all night; I still failed the exam.

Both of the above examples would be correct, but the following are not correct:

I studied hard all night; but I still failed the exam.

I studied hard all night, I still failed the exam.

The first example does not take into account that if we use a word such as but – a coordinating conjunction – then a comma is appropriate, not a semicolon. The second example above is wrong because it tries to use a comma to separate two independent clauses instead of a semicolon.

(all images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).