Local Wisdom Transmission within “Dusun Wisdom” through Adolescence in Family: A Case Study of Narathiwat Provinces

Abstract

Du-song (Bahasa Melayu: Dusun) is a type of orchards in which several kinds of fruit trees are grown. It is perceived as a local wisdom for earning a living cultivated by Thai Malay Muslims and passed on at least to three generations. This qualitative study aimed at examining body of knowledge and transmission of Du-song to the young in their families. The research instruments included interviews and group discussions. Fifteen participants in the study were categorised into three groups: group one with six Du-song owners, group two comprising six young people, and group three including three experts of Du-song. The investigated areas involved six villages in Waeng District, Narathiwat Province: Ban Krue-saw and Ban Hu-more-Bukae in Waeng Subdistrict; Ban Mae-dong, Ban Ba-lae, and Ban Prawh in Mae-Dong Subdistrict; and Ban Bala in Loe-Chude Subdistrict. The findings of this study demonstrated the Thai Malay Muslims’ body of knowledge in appropriately selecting Du-song areas. They effectively managed the impartial allocation of Du-song products among their families and relatives. This rendered a good tradition of mutually supportive dependency and generosity in communities. People in previous generations learned to plant in their Du-song areas through observations and implementations. They planned the planting in order to cultivate the fruits throughout the year. Aside from these, they possessed a strong determination in working. The transmission of Du-song wisdom to the young in their families demands instillation of conscience, transfer of knowledge from local experts, and ecological learning through direct implementations in Du-song areas. They require both direct and indirect experiences as well as formal and informal learning.