Journal of Arts and Thai Studies

The Perspectives of Thai People on the Spread of COVID-19 From Caricatures in LINE Application

2023-06-19T10:18:40+07:00

Objectives: This research aimed to investigate Thai people’s perspectives on the spread of COVID-19 from caricatures in LINE application and to analyze the use of language that presents those perspectives using Ferdinand de Saussure’s theory of semiology.

Methods: The study was conducted in 5 steps: studying related documents and research work; collecting a total of 110 COVID-19 related caricatures from LINE application during the years 2020–2021; analyzing Thai people’s perspectives and the use of language that presents those perspectives; presenting the results in a descriptive analysis format; and summarizing and discussing the results as well as giving recommendations.

Results: The results revealed that the perspectives of Thai people on the COVID-19 pandemic could be grouped into 8 aspects: the COVID-19 disease, the COVID-19 vaccines, the government, the politics, online class instructions, occupations, the economy or life quality, and people who were COVID-19 free. In terms of the use of language in the caricatures, both verbal and non-verbal means of communication were employed. Non-verbal language was used through pictures and colors, whereas verbal language was used through the play of sounds and words as well as impolite words, ironies, overstatements, words with a twist, name distortions, quotations, metaphors, comparative statements, visual metaphors, rhetorical questions and parallel statements. Such usage implied the Thai people’s perspective upon the COVID-19 outbreak through the use of comic relief, caricature and satire. This demonstrated the ability to implement humor to reduce stress and alleviate the tension of controversial issues, especially those related to criticism against the Thai government.

Application of this study: The use of language found in this research can be applied to create caricatures, satire and sarcasm in various types of media.

The Speech Act of Instructing in Thai: A Case Study of Parent and Children in Lopburi Province

2023-04-03T10:53:05+07:00

Objectives: This research aims to study language strategies used for the speech act of instructing and the relationship between language strategies and parents’ education level.

Methods: Research data were collected from a discourse-completion task (WDCT). The research population comprised 100 parents in Lopburi province who were selected by purposive sampling and were divided into two groups: 1) 50 parents who did not hold a bachelor’s degree and 2) 50 parents who held a bachelor’s degree or other post-graduate degrees. The data was analyzed using frequency and percentage to determine the relationship between the parent’s education levels and their language strategies usage.

Results: The results suggested that the parents employed thirteen language strategies for the speech act of instructing, which were categorized into two groups: bold on-record and off-record strategies. Ranking from the most frequently used strategies to the least, the bold on-record strategies included 1) commanding, 2) reprimanding, and 3) threatening. The off-record strategies included 1) giving advice, 2) using expressions to give opinions, 3) using expressions to give questions, 4) using the expression to show conditions, 5) reasoning, 6) offering assistance, 7) referring to a person, rule, or regulation, 8) requesting, 9) giving examples of consequences from the action, and 10) giving compliments. From the results, the samples used the off-record strategies more than the bold on-record strategies. Moreover, education level also influenced the language strategy usage. The results also reflect three types of social characteristics in Thai society: 1) high power distance, 2) collectivism, and 3) high context communication.

Application of this study: The results could be a model for research studies of the same or different pragmatic types and contexts. They could also be employed for the cross-cultural study on speech acts based on the interlanguage pragmatics notion, which could lead to a huge contribution to Thai language teaching for foreign learners.

The Meanings of /kàp/ in the Sukhothai Inscriptions: An Analysis of Semantic and Syntactic Contexts

2023-04-03T10:55:31+07:00

Objectives: The objectives of this article are to investigate the contextual meanings of /kàp/ in the Sukhothai period by analyzing its contexts from both semantic and syntactic perspectives, and to study the conceptual meaning of /kàp/ which can relate to the contextual meanings of the inscription.

Methods: The data has been collected from the book “The Inscription Collection Vol. 8: The Sukhothai Stone Inscriptions” which was published by the Fine Arts Department in 2005. This study only collects Thai texts in the Sukhothai Thai script and the Sukhothai Khom script. Afterwards, the semantic and syntactic contexts of each surrounding statement are analyzed to examine the contextual meanings, and relation to other meanings to form the conceptual meaning of /kàp/.

Results: The research results indicate that there are 55 statements found in 17 Sukhothai inscriptions. The word /kàp/ can be categorized into 3 groups according to their functions, and can be construed as having 4 meanings. As a PREPOSITION, there are 2 meanings: 1) ‘together with/in accompany with’, and 2) ‘showing destination’. As a NOUN PHRASE CONJUNCTION, it means 3) ‘and/including’. As a NOUN, it means 4) ‘side dishes/food that is eaten or served with rice’. Furthermore, these 4 meanings are related to a single CONCEPTUAL MEANING of ‘participating in a particular situation’. In other words, all distinct meanings are influenced by both semantic and syntactic contexts; consequently, these 4 meanings are so-called CONTEXTUAL MEANINGS. In conclusion, /kàp/ is not a HOMONYM but a POLYSEMOUS WORD.

Application of this study: The research results can be applied to the study of language change in both diachronic and synchronic approaches. The analysis of semantic and syntactic contexts may be essential for considering the meanings of grammatical words because these words have no clear meaning; therefore, the contexts in which they appear must be taken into account. Moreover, the results can also be developed into the methodology of Grammaticalization.

The Representation of Muslim Women in Three Southern Border Provinces in Thai Daily Newspaper Discourse

2023-07-03T14:44:29+07:00

Objective: This research article aims to analyze the linguistic devices employed to construct the representations of the Muslim women in the three southern border provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat in Thai daily newspaper discourse.

Methods: Data were collected from 180 texts from 10 newspapers which contained content on Muslim women relating to social unrest events in the three southern border provinces from 2004–2021.

Results: Representations of Muslim women in the three southern border provinces were found as follows: 1) the Muslim women were used as a means of insurgency in the provinces; 2) the Muslim women were affected and experienced loss; 3) the Muslim women led the way to justice; 4) the Muslim women were in need of assistance and remedy; and 5) the Muslim women were treated as second-class citizens in society. These representations were constructed through six linguistic strategies including word choice, modification, negation, figurative metaphors, words of request, and sentence patterns.

Application of this study: The results of this study may serve as guidance for other studies of discourse on women. It can also lead to the understanding of people in a multicultural society, which can also greatly benefit the teaching and learning of subjects related to language and culture.

Language Characteristic and Meaning of Chinese Brand Names in Thai Food Products in China

2023-07-03T14:29:56+07:00

Objectives: This research article aims to study language characteristic and analyze the meaning of Chinese brand names in Thai food products in China.

Methods: The data were collected from the brand names of four types of Thai food products—rice, snacks, pastries, and dried fruits—which were sold on 3 websites in China, namely www.taobao.com, www.1688.com and www.tmall.com, from June to October 2022. The data were collected only from the brand names that appeared on the packaging, which includes Chinese brand names, Thai brand names, and English brand names. The analysis was divided into 2 topics: the study of language characteristics and the analysis of meanings.

Results: The results on language characteristics revealed that there are 7 forms of brand names appearing on the packaging, of which the bilingual form—Chinese brand name alongside English brand name—is the most common. The number of syllables used in Chinese brand names ranges from 2 to 9 syllables, with 3 syllables being the most popular. Six methods to form grammatical structure for Chinese brand names were found. The modifier-head method was the most popular, followed by the borrowed word transliteration method, subject-predicate method, parallel method, verb-object method, and new forming word method respectively. As for the meanings of Chinese brand names, 22 semantic groups were found. The analysis of semantic structure of Chinese brand names found that the compound semantic structure is the most common type, followed by single semantic structure.

Application of this study: The results of this study provide guidelines in the area of language characteristics and meanings for naming Chinese brands for Thai food products for Thai entrepreneurs, academics, and brand name developers. It is also hoped that the results of this study can be used as basic knowledge that can serve as a guideline for the study and the development of Chinese brand names for the academic and business circles related to Thai food products.

A Change of Identity in Traditional Costume of Jingpo Ethnic Group

2023-09-08T11:04:06+07:00

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the characteristics of the design, colors, decorations and patterns of Jingpo traditional costumes, and to analyze the factors influencing the changes in the accessories and patterns in costume of the Jingpo ethnic group in order to learn about the historical changes and development of society.

Methods: This study employed a literature review to obtain data and results of previous studies. A field trip to cultural halls, museums, and libraries in Dehong Dai Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture was made to obtain data and collect pictures. Interviews with scholars and relevant staff were conducted. Field trips to the Jingpo villages were made in order to participate in their traditional festivals, take pictures, and interview the local Jingpo people.

Results: Through research and analysis, it is known that the traditional costumes of the Jingpo ethnic group are the products of continuous development of their history and society. The costumes demonstrate variety and beauty that are unique to the Jingpo ethnic group. They record their historical development and migration environment. They are an important source for experts and scholars to study the traditional culture of the Jingpo ethnic group and to understand their migration history and culture.

Application of this study: This study helps to strengthen the awareness of the traditional costume of the Jingpo ethnic group for those interested in the design and pattern of their traditional costumes. This research hopes to provide a theoretical basis for the protection and development of the traditional costumes of the Jingpo ethnic group.

Musical Arrangement in King Rama V’s Play, Ngo Pa: Traces of Alteration from Old Tradition to Modernity

2023-08-24T09:50:50+07:00

Objectives: This article aims to study the processes of musical arrangement in King Rama V’s Play, Ngo Pa.

Methods: This documentary research employed King Rama V’s play, Ngo Pa, as the primary text and other related research documents as well as interviews with scholars and Thai music experts.

Results: One of the remarkable characteristics of King Rama V’s play, Ngo Pa, is the combination of the Thai classical composition of lakonram (dance drama) and Western drama. The dramatic music in this play is a clear element that evidently exhibits such a unique character. The findings reveal that King Rama V employed 3 significant approaches to arrange the dramatic music in this play: 1) following the traditional pattern of Thai classical dance play or lakonram; 2) adjusting phlengnaphat and phlengkhabrong to fit the performance of the play; and 3) including modern folk songs.

Application of this study: This specific musical arrangement reveals a trace of alteration from the writing of old traditional literature to new modern drama due to the flourished Western trends at that time.

Guidelines for Developing a Geographic Information System Database to Promote Tourism and Develop Creative Economy in Samut Songkhram Province

2023-09-08T08:49:16+07:00

Objectives: This research aims to study information on tourist attractions, tourism support facilities, problems, and the need for geographic information systems (GIS) in Samut Songkhram province to promote tourism and develop a creative economy.

Methods: The research adopts a mixed-methods approach. It combines quantitative data collection through surveys and analysis of current tourist attractions and current tourism support facilities with the qualitative methods of focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with a selected group of 10 individuals who were directly involved in the tourism industry.

Results: The findings of the research indicate that there are a total of 52 tourist attractions in Samut Songkhram province, with the majority concentrated in Amphoe Amphawa (29 attractions), followed by Amphoe Bang Khonthee (12 attractions), and Amphoe Mueang Samut Songkhram (11 attractions). These attractions are primarily historical and cultural sites. Tourism support facilities were predominantly found in Amphoe Mueang Samut Songkhram (417 establishments), including restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and accommodation. This is followed by Amphoe Amphawa (211 establishments) and Amphoe Bang Khonthi (105 establishments). When evaluating the potential of tourist attractions, two attractions—Ban Laem temple and Chulamanee temple—were rated as being of very high quality. Twelve attractions were rated as high-quality, 16 as medium-quality, and 22 as low-quality. As for problems and needs for GIS to promote tourism and develop the creative economy, the primary issue arose from the absence of a spatial reporting system and a lack of integration between various agencies. This made the usage of data to monitor and plan spatial tourism development impossible. There is a need for a GIS database for use in tourism management in the area that can integrate information with related agencies to develop the creative economy. Finally, the desired development approach for the GIS is to develop a spatial database that can support both being a database on websites and web applications of agencies that all users can access conveniently, making it easy to use and supporting travel planning.

Application of this study: The findings of this research can be used as a guideline to promote tourism and foster the creative economy of Samut Songkhram province. They can be applied in the planning and management of tourism activities and internal tourism routes. Furthermore, these research results can be utilized to develop and enhance tourist attractions in the area, making them more attractive and capable to accommodate a larger number of tourists in the future.

Agricultural Development Through the Photos from Robert Larimore Pendleton in Sawankhalok District, Sukhothai Province, Thailand

2023-09-07T09:23:03+07:00

Objectives: This research aims to study photographs from Robert Larimore Pendleton in the Sawankhalok district, Sukhothai province, during the period 1935–1953. The objective is to explore the agricultural development and agricultural practices of Sawankhalok that reflected the policies and roles of American scholars in Thailand during the post-World War II era.

Methods: The study employs an anthropological study of photography through the analysis of 80 selected photographs from Robert Larimore Pendleton in the Sawankhalok district, Sukhothai province, between 1935 and 1953. These images are categorized into three types: 8 images related to agriculture, 8 images related to the cotton experimentation center in Khlong Tan district; and 7 images related to the town of Sawankhalok. The research combines document analysis and fieldwork studies in the Sawankhalok district to analyze the agricultural development and the role of American scholars in Sawankhalok during the study period.

Results: The photographs from Robert Pendleton reflect the agricultural development and practices, particularly the cultivation of cotton, which is an integral part of the local history of Sawankhalok. The images shed light on the disappearing history of the region and depict the role of American scholars and foreign policies of the United States, particularly on the agricultural development of Thailand.

Application of this study: The findings of this study can contribute to the conservation and revitalization of the significant local history of Sawankhalok. Moreover, it can elevate the historical capital of the region to promote tourism and establish the area as a learning city for the local community.

Justice in Social Structure, Humans, and Diversities From Karl Marx’s Perception

2023-10-25T08:59:31+07:00

Objectives: This research article is part of a research project which studies the possibility of human coexistence in a multicultural society by using Karl Marx’s critique of class conflict to demonstrate the process that impedes the coexistence of diversity, and to assert that human conditions are diverse.

Methods: Textual analysis method was used to analyze Karl Marx’s critique on social injustice in human relations in order to propose that conditions impeding multicultural societies can be discussed.

Results: Class conflict leads to social oppression resulting in an unjust power structure which obliterates social values such as diversity, equality, and social justice. For this reason, Marx’s critique not only provides a basic understanding of human relations in a socio-economic conflict, but also leads to an ideal community in which people are equal and respect each other.

Application of this study: The results of this study present a possibility to analyse the root of problems arising from unjust social relations which impede human coexistence. It may bring us to the answer of how to create a society that respects diversity and treats one another fairly.

A Comparison of the Effectiveness between Multiple-Choice and Essay Writing Exams in Writing Competency Assessment

2023-11-13T11:19:43+07:00

Objectives: This research aimed to study the effectiveness of multiple choice exams when used to assess writing skills compared to essay writing exams.

Methods: The subjects of the study were 79 third-year students who were studying English as their minor subject at the Faculty of Arts, Silpakorn University in 2021 and taking the writing course 412221 Reading and Writing. Two types of exams were used in the study: a multiple choice exam and an essay writing exam. A cause & effect essay was used in both multiple choice and essay writing exams. The 30-item multiple choice exam covered essay elements and organization, grammar points, and vocabulary. As for the essay writing exam, students were instructed to write one essay on one of the four given topics.

Results: Results showed that the students performed better in the multiple choice exam, scoring an average of 21.0253 points while in the essay writing exam, the students received 19.3418 points. Looking at each area of assessment individually, students achieved a marginally better performance in the grammar and vocabulary topics of the multiple choice exam, while they received a slightly higher score in the essay elements of the essay writing exam. However, except for the vocabulary part, the difference in the score of the remaining parts was not statistically significant. In addition, the difficulty index mean comparison showed that both types of exam were of comparable difficulty and the discrimination index of the multiple choice exam and essay writing exam were comparable with no statistical significance, 0.2743 and 0.2848 respectively. One contributing factor to this may be the use of the essay writing exam analytic rubric, as mistakes other than what were included in the analytic rubrics were not recorded. Furthermore, the analytic rubrics had a fixed maximum number of points that could be deducted.

Application of this study: The results suggest that multiple choice exams, if constructed well and covered all the topics that are taught in class, can be used as a tool in evaluating writing competency and can have comparable effectiveness to essay writing exams.

Cover

2023-12-06T11:44:03+07:00

Strategies of Basic Japanese Interpretation

2023-12-22T14:13:35+07:00

Examining Bisexuality in Saccage by Eric Jourdan, Call Me by Your name by Andre Aciman, and Un Garçon comme une Autre by Joël Breurec: An Anthropological Approach

2023-04-02T13:39:12+07:00

Objectives: In contemporary LGBT studies, bisexuality remains rarely explored compared to other sexual identities. This article aims to investigate bisexuality, specifically in literature where it continues to be shadowed by gay and lesbian representations despite the burst of LGBT literature throughout the last few decades. It also emphasizes the universal aspect of bisexual experiences and practices which transcend national boundaries through a comparative study of literary works from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, while remaining conscious to the particularities of each social and cultural context.

Methods: In an attempt to broach bisexuality in literary studies, the necessity to look to social sciences is unavoidable despite their markedly different approaches and methods. Therefore, the question is how can we articulate between knowledge from other disciplines and the apprehension of bisexuality in literary works without putting aside the nature of literature: literariness. In this difficulty, anthropological approaches prove adequate in allowing literature to interrogate extra-literary questions, making use of knowledge from other disciplines while simultaneously putting forward its literary aspects, since literature and anthropology share the same tool: writing or composing. The anthropological approaches used in this study – imagery, gaze, and bodily pleasure – are conjugated with literary strategies and techniques in the analysis of three contemporary French and American novels – Saccage (2006) by Eric Jourdan, Call Me by Your Name (2003) by André Aciman, and Un Garçon comme une Autre (2013) by Joël Breurec.

Results: The results of this research show that knowledge in social sciences, though essential, is insufficient in grasping bisexuality represented through literary works. The use of anthropological approaches helps us grasp bisexuality both as human practices and experiences, and as a subject for literary creation, which shed light on the construction and legitimacy of this sexual identity.

Application of this study: This study contributes to literary research and gender studies by emphasizing the necessity of interdisciplinarity in thinking sexuality in literature, and provides one possible approach to do so without losing sight of the particularities of literature and what it can do.

The Connection of Thai Typeface in the Context of Evolution and Letter Formation

2023-07-03T14:34:35+07:00

Objectives: This article describes the connection of Thai typeface in the context of evolution and letter formation in order to classify the Thai typeface.

Methods: The Thai typeface from documents and historical evidence was studied. The typeface from the letter formation techniques in each era was categorized. Then the connection of each typeface category was analyzed and synthesized.

Results: It was found that letter structure in the late Ayutthaya period was like that of the current Thai script. It was then developed into a variety of Thai typeface. The characteristics of the Thai typeface can be divided according to the evolution and letter formation into seven typologies: 1) ancient-like Thai 2) Arluck 3) handwriting 4) Thai Ribbon 5) standard Thai 6) Latin-like Thai, and 7) Decoration.

Application of this study: This article is useful for those interested in typeface design, design history, and local wisdom. It can be further developed in creative works, branding, marketing communications and database management.

Conjunctive Water Management: Ways Forward to Sustainable Water Management in Response to Sustainable Development Goals

2023-08-24T10:27:11+07:00

Objectives: This article aims to investigate the role of conjunctive water management (CWM) in response to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address water challenges in the contemporary world.

Methods: This study analyzed secondary data related to CWM practices worldwide and their contribution to SDGs to elicit key problems in the CWM application and the key challenges of CWM to achieve the SDGs.

Results: CWM plays a key role in ensuring water security worldwide. However, key problems with the CWM application exist. This article shows the significance of the CWM approach, the challenges of nesting to single resource management, the roles of CWM in contributing to SDGs, and the ways forward for CWM to ensure water security toward SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation).

Application of this study: The findings will be useful for policymakers, practitioners, and multi-stakeholders in water management to apply the CWM guidelines to cope with water insecurity under anthropogenic and climate pressures. Furthermore, governments can develop the CWM framework and scale up collaborative actions for transboundary CWM to respond to SDGs.

The Culture of Woven Fabric According to the Belief of Tai Lue People to the Assimilation for Identity

2023-10-02T09:57:27+07:00

Objectives: This research aims to study the belief in the culture of woven fabric of the Tai Lue Chiang Kam ethnic people which reflects knowledge, ideas, beliefs and social values of different periods.

Methods: Documentary research and fieldwork were carried out along with photographic data and in-depth interviews with the sample group of the Tai Lue woven fabric specialists in Chiang Kam district. The semiotics theory proposed by Roland Barthes and Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of power relations were applied in the research analysis.

Results: Fabrics and patterns according to the beliefs appeared in forms of symbols, thoughts or contexts of the original beliefs reflecting identities through creativity. The community’s history and its abstract thinking system were connected. The ideas were explained through symbolism, rituals and traditions, with a concrete thinking system through the use of fabrics and patterns. These highlighted the subtle implications of adjustment relating to the power relations in which one participated, in order to achieve recognition and acceptance. Written records were not widely favored among the Tai Lue people in Thailand. Therefore, the woven culture is a ‘cultural reproduction’ which can be considered as a record of life. The existence of a society depends on inheritance from one generation to another with the accepted mechanism of cultural reproduction and adaptation to the changing environments and changing social contexts. This is why Tai Lue ethnic group is able to exist and pass on their identity from generation to generation.

Application of this study: The findings from this research can potentially be a guideline for further studies in the woven fabric culture, which is a mechanism that passes the origin of ideas of Tai Leu people through the process of cultural reproduction.