The Reflection of Thai Culture through Figurative Language in Prophecies

บทคัดย่อ

The current study examines how figurative language including simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, and metonymy in prophecies reflects Thai culture. This study employed a non-probable sampling method. The data collection was 68 prophecies from Rai Khing and Thai Samakkhi temples, Thailand. The framework of data analysis follows Closton (2015) and Saralamba (2021). To ensure the reliability and validity of the data analysis, three linguists were instructed to check the accuracy of the data analysis. The results of the study show that the figurative language written in the prophercies reflects Thai culture by comparing people with entities such as boats, chickens, fish, and flowers. However, the figurative language in prophecies is always used when the writers convey a message with a negative connotation. It is expected that the results of this study will be beneficial for learners of English as a Foreign Language so as to gain better understanding about language and culture. The study contributes to business English in that the use of language in temples is intertwined with marketing techniques. After reading prophecies, financial donation is given because of the better life in the future.