Surnames of Thai People of Karen Lineage in Kanchaburi Province : Ethnosemantics Study

Abstract

Objectives: This article aims to analyze the word constructions and the meanings of surnames of Thai People of Karen lineage in Kanchanaburi province.  It also aims to analyze the worldviews of Thai people of Karen lineage reflected in those surnames using ethnosemantics theory.

Methods: The research process was divided into 4 steps: 1) the study of documents and research articles, 2) the data collection of 1,145 surnames from purposive sampling in 5 districts: Mueang Kanchanaburi, Si Sawat, Sai Yok, Thong Pha Phum, and Sangkhlaburi, 3) the analysis of their meanings and the worldviews of Thai people of Karen lineage which were reflected in the collected surnames using ethnosemantics theory, and 4) the presentation of the results in the form of descriptive analysis with summary, discussion, and suggestions.

Results: The analysis of 1,145 surnames of Thai people of Karen linage found that there are 4 types of surname construction:one-word constructions, two-word constructions, three-word constructions, and four-word constructions. Two-word constructions were found the most. The following are 21 groups of meanings associated with surnames, ranked from the most common to the least common: 1) nature and environment, 2) prosperity, stability, and fertility, 3) human behavior, 4) decorations, property, and valuables, 5) fame, 6) materials, 7) beauty, 8) protection and maintenance, 9) morality and auspiciousness, 10) family lineage, 11) happiness, 12) knowledge, talents, and intelligence, 13) excellence, 14) purity, 15) emotions and feelings, 16) supernatural and Buddha, 17) persons, 18) professions and careers, 19) the body and the mind, 20) speeches and blessings, and 21) dwellings. In addition, the worldviews of Thai people of Karen linage that are reflected from their surnames were found in 3 aspects: 1) nature and the environment; 2) humans, consisting of life goals and priorities depending on the social contexts; and 3) the supernatural, consisting of beliefs in deities and sacredness, local spirits, faith in Buddhism, and fortune.

Application of this study: The results of this research can be particularly beneficial for government agencies, including the Kanchanaburi Provincial Administrative Organizations. By applying these findings, these agencies can foster the development of the Thai Karen community, facilitating mutual understanding and promoting peaceful co-existence within a multicultural society.