The Diversity of Social Capital from the Khmer Literature Reamker

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Reamker is a literary work that has long been closely intertwined with the way of life of the Khmer people. It serves as cultural information that reflects the values, beliefs, traditions, and rituals of local communities. Moreover, it is linked to toponyms, which are the names of many significant locations in Cambodia. For these reasons, the researcher is interested in exploring the social and cultural dimensions of Khmer society as reflected through the content of Reamker.

Methods: This research used qualitative research methodology by studying the data from the Khmer literary text Reamker, volumes 1–10, based on the edited and published version by the Buddhist Institute, the Kingdom of Cambodia. Hanifan’s concept of social capital was the main framework for this analysis, and the research findings were presented using analytical description.

Results: Although Reamker originates from Indian literary traditions, its content is deeply localized, incorporating Khmer beliefs and socio-cultural values in a harmonious manner. This integration has made Reamker widely embraced by the Khmer people and recognized as one of the nation’s most important literary works. The findings of this study reveal that Reamker reflects four key aspects of the relationship with the social and cultural dimensions of the Khmer people: 1) social capital related to local rituals and belief systems, 2) social capital embedded in royal ceremonies, 3) social capital in the field of education, and 4) social capital expressed through creative initiatives for tourism. 

Application of this study: This study of Reamker reveals its relationships to various dimensions, including local rituals and belief systems, royal ceremonies, education, and tourism. These can be applied as instructional media in teaching Khmer literature within academic institutions. Furthermore, they can be used to promote cross-cultural learning by comparing the similarities and differences between the Thai literary work Ramakien and the Khmer literary work Reamker from another perspective. 

Conclusions: This study of the diversity of social capital from the Khmer literary work Reamker, through the conceptual framework of social capital, reveals the cultural meanings conveying the belief systems of the Khmer people well. This has contributed to the preservation and transmission of the Reamker literary work, which is evident in the traces of social and cultural lifestyles of the people from the past to the present.