Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Studies

From the state’s development promise to the uncertain lives of farmers in eastern Thailand

2024-07-05T10:43:51+07:00

This research paper aims to examine the state's development promise in relation to the Eastern Economic Corridor development (EEC) project and its impact on people's livelihoods. The study utilized a qualitative approach and ethnographic research to collect data on the operation of the EEC project and its impact on people's livelihoods. The key informants, who were actively involved in the movement for farm safety, were 25 farmers from a farmers network in Kabinburi district, Prachinburi province, and Phanom Sarakham district, Chachoengsao province. The study found that the EEC project has been a crucial development undertaking in Thailand since 2017. The Thai state has promised that the EEC project will provide a better future for the people, stating that the operation of the project will focus on investing in infrastructure, providing investment privileges, eliminating investment barriers, and establishing a centralized authority. However, the local people's experiences with the EEC project demonstrate the formation of unequal power relations that have led to an uneven distribution of the project's benefits. Although local communities are hopeful that the EEC project will provide access to new markets, they still fear the uncertainty of their lives due to various state mechanisms established in the project, which prevent them from participating in the local decision-making process. Some local farmers have experienced an expansion of factories and waste disposal plants, causing fear of pollution on farms, and other non-agricultural land use activities in the EEC backyard, or peripheral areas of the EEC project.

Conservative Muslim and textual interpretation of the hadiths in polygamy propaganda in Indonesia

2024-02-28T10:10:14+07:00

The pro-polygamy movement in Indonesia demonstrates not only Islamic doctrine and identity but also the rise of conservative Islam which is legitimized by an understanding of particular hadiths. This article aims to describe polygamy propaganda carried out by conservative Muslim groups on social media which is based on a literal textual understanding of religious texts. This qualitative research used gender analysis to investigate male dominance in polygamous propaganda employing hadith to recruit polygamous class participants. Data for the study were gathered from social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube) as well as online news about polygamy mentoring programs. The polygamous traditions employed by two mentorship communities in Indonesia such as Dauroh Poligami Indonesia (DPI) and Forum Poligami Indonesia (FPI), were used in this study. Polygamy traditions have been selected and interpreted to support polygamy, viewed as mandatory for men, with conservative narratives that support the propaganda of how to marry four wives. It is regarded as a symbol of individual piety and an Islamic lifestyle, inextricably linked to the materialization of religion, which provides polygamy with social and spiritual bliss. Therefore, polygamy propaganda initiated debate among Muslim feminist movements to advocate for gender equality and women's empowerment in modern Indonesia.

Exploring the connectedness of the aspects of Thai KFL learners’ phonological awareness, orthographic awareness, and pronunciation production

2024-05-19T22:43:32+07:00

This study aimed to explore how the aspects of Thai KFL (Korean as a foreign language) learners’ (beginner-level, 79 persons) Phonological Awareness (PA), Orthographic Awareness (OA), and Pronunciation Production (PP) are connected in terms of L1 interference. To investigate the aspects of these three realms, PA and OA tasks, which were modified from the previous study, were implemented for the learners, and the data on PP was collected from oral tests. The format of PA and OA tasks was developed in three domains for each: PA items were divided into initial phonemes, final phonemes, and vowel phonemes, while OA items were classified into initial consonants, final consonants, and vowels. Through the results of PA and OA tasks, ㅊ and ㅈ, and ㅍ and ㅂ were derived as the most challenging initial phonemes/letters for Thai learners. ㄹ and ㄴ were also seen as challenging final phonemes/letters. However, new error types were also found in transferring ㄴ into ㄹ, which is the reverse of the previous studies done (ㄹ was transferred into ㄴ). Diphthongs such as ㅠ, ㅛ, ㅕ, and ㅖ have emerged as the most challenging vowels. The aspects of PA and OA were closely reflected in PP, and in turn, the aspects of PP are reflections of the underlying abilities of PA and OA. Therefore, to enhance learners’ pronunciation production, Korean language educators should note that the above-mentioned phonemes and letters are difficult for Thai learners and they need to provide explicit instructional strategies for the corresponding items.

Shaping community-based curriculum of local wisdom on palmyra palm at Huai Krot community in Chai Nat province of Thailand: Initial design processes

2024-05-08T19:11:00+07:00

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the curriculum development process undertaken by the Huai Krot community in the Chai Nat province of Thailand. The curriculum is centered on the local wisdom on palmyra palm, a valuable local resource. Achievement of this objective was facilitated through the delineation of the preparation and planning phases of course development. The commencement of community curricula entailed the execution of two fundamental stages. Before integrating the community curriculum into the educational process, it was crucial to establish efficient management strategies and conduct a thorough evaluation of the community’s engagement. Data collection involved the use of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The investigation delineated two fundamental phases in the construction of a community curriculum. Preparation involved the assessing community capacity and needs. The primary stage of research was dedicated to familiarizing oneself with the field, whereas the subsequent stage of research was focused on identifying relevant curriculum concerns. The subsequent stage entailed the formulation of a curriculum plan that was firmly grounded in the local community. This stage required executing six tasks pertaining to curriculum formulation. The activities involved the forming of a committee, identifying challenges related to meeting community needs, training of trainers who would form community/local researcher teams, creating a curriculum based on community input, assessing the curriculum, and establishing a supervisory team. The article contributes to the understanding of how community-oriented curricula that utilize local knowledge and resources could play a crucial role in enabling, nurturing, and sustaining the growth of local communities.

Cultural exchange: A case study of Huizhou architecture Yin Yu Tang reassembly in the United States

2024-06-04T22:45:13+07:00

In 1997, the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) acquired the Yin Yu Tang (Hall of Plentiful Shelter), a historic Huizhou building situated in Xiuning County, Anhui province, China. This structure is a significant example of China’s Huizhou architectural heritage. It was shipped to the United States, and underwent meticulous reconstruction at the museum’s premises in Salem, Massachusetts. The objectives of this research were 1) to scrutinize the transplantation of architectural heritage within the Yin Yu Tang project, as well as its related cultural and traditional aspects; 2) to describe how Yin Yu Tang was "revitalized" in a new socio-cultural environment by providing an in-depth interpretation of Yin Yu Tang in a multicultural context; and 3) to examine the essential position of Yin Yu Tang in the overseas dissemination of traditional Huizhou architecture. This study adopts research methods in architectural culturology to conduct an analytical study, gathering information from existing documents in the United States and collecting data through interviews with key individuals in China. It is clearly shown that the "transplantation" of the Yin Yu Tang provides a valuable cross-cultural opportunity for the American public to gain insights into Chinese culture, architecture, customs, and family routines. It also encourages reflection on the importance of preserving historic buildings, not only from an architectural standpoint but also in terms of adapting to evolving values through the lens of architectural culture.

Broken rung roles in the female leadership deficit phenomenon in Indonesia

2024-07-05T15:48:42+07:00

The underrepresentation of women in top management positions is marked by a decline in participation as the hierarchy rises. This study investigates the impact of the "broken rung" phenomenon—referring to unfair promotion systems as a key barrier to female career advancement—on the leadership deficit among women in Indonesia. Using a qualitative methodology and a phenomenological approach, data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. The research analysis followed four stages of coding: open coding, axial coding, selective coding, and process coding. Findings reveal that gender stereotypes in certain industries and occupations contribute to the scarcity of female leaders. The shortage of female leaders initially stems from the limited presence of women in specific industries, influenced by these stereotypes. The "broken rung" is not the primary factor in Indonesia’s female leadership deficit, as there were already few women in specific sectors before unfair company systems impacted them. The root cause is not an unfriendly promotion system, but rather the unequal distribution of female workers across industries. Feminine-dominated sectors see higher female representation, while masculine-dominated sectors do not. Unfortunately, a significant portion of jobs are perceived as masculine, leading to an overrepresentation of male-dominated industries.

Driving a three-age learning curriculum from local wisdom under the “YANGKHINOK Model” in Thailand

2024-05-28T12:16:19+07:00

This study had the objective of developing a three-age learning curriculum from local wisdom under the YANGKHINOK Model which focuses on time, resources, knowledge, skills, and sincerity to enhance competency and leverage social networks in Khueang Nai District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand. Due to the dynamics of global society influencing Thai education, integrating local wisdom in curriculum development is essential for preserving cultural heritage and community sustainability. A mixed method of qualitative case studies and quantitative evaluation was employed to assess the efficacy of the local wisdom project. Key findings spotlighted the importance of community participation, educational coordination, and the appropriate development of a curriculum for all age groups by the YANGKHINOK Model (Youth, Adult, Narration, Gathering, Knowledge, Hearkening, Impetus, Network, Older Persons, Keeping). This inclusive approach emphasizes the critical role of collaboration among local communities and educational institutions to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant and adaptable across different generations. The approach also aims to create a contemporary democratic society by promoting continuous learning and sustainable professional development that fosters long-term community resilience. It was concluded that a sustainable community curriculum must include these components to meet the actual needs of the community, as well as being adaptable to social and economic changes. Effective use of limited local resources, strategic planning, and broad participation for practical results lead to lasting sustainability, providing a framework for continuous community improvement.

Staging anxiety through magical realism: A practice-based exploration in two theatrical productions

2024-08-09T11:36:22+07:00

Anxiety disorders are prevalent in everyday life, yet theatrical realism often struggles to capture and convey the lived experiences from the points of view of those affected. This practice-based research explores how magical realism can serve as an alternative mode of representation to depict the internal experiences of characters with anxiety disorders on stage. The study began with a literature review on magical realism and anxiety disorders, identifying key characteristics that informed the development of performances. Through a devising process, the research culminated in two distinct productions: “The Practice,” a devised piece created with a group of seven actors and showcased at the Bangkok Theatre Festival in November 2022, and “As Fa As Farida,” a solo performance developed collaboratively by the researcher-director and an actor, staged in May and June 2023 at the Faculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University. Despite differences in scale and presentation, both performances were able to portray the inner worlds of characters with anxiety disorders through the essence of magical realism, characterized by four main themes identified through thematic analysis: the interplay of reality and fantasy, the disruption of space and time, metatheatrical reflections on society and identity, and voices from the margins. The insights from this study can guide future theatrical experiments and be applied across various media, including literature, film, and other art forms.

A probe into local cultural values in locally produced EFL textbooks in Indonesia

2024-07-25T11:47:38+07:00

As a result of shifts in the objectives of teaching English as a language for international communication in the current era, a substantial modification of EFL textbooks has been made to include accounts of various cultures, including local cultural aspects, to spark students' interest in the language and promote cross-cultural awareness. Despite this transformation, a notable gap exists in the scholarly discourse concerning how local cultures are depicted in localized EFL textbooks. That said, the objectives of this research were twofold: first, it sought to examine the portrayal of local cultural norms in Indonesian locally produced English Language Teaching (ELT) textbooks; and second, it attempted to explore how the absorption of local culture promotes the intercultural communication skills of learners. To that end, two local ELT series were considered for analysis. To examine the cultural dimensions in the textbooks, a content analysis was conducted by referring to Yuen’s (2011) cultural evaluation framework with four major categories: products, practices, perspectives, and persons. The findings underscore that these course books extensively feature local cultures, with cultural products receiving the most substantial coverage, while perspectives are comparatively underrepresented. Significant exposure to localized resources effectively drives learners' learning engagement and enhances their intercultural literacy. Consequently, the study highlights the significance of the inclusion of culturally relevant content in EFL textbooks tailored for learners, offering noteworthy implications for both ELT practices and academic research.

Development of a metaverse model to enhance Renu Nakhon Phu-Thai cultural tourism in Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand

2023-11-27T22:44:17+07:00

This research aimed to: 1) develop a metaverse model to enhance Renu Nakhon Phu-Thai cultural tourism in Nakhon Phanom Province 2) assess the suitability of the metaverse model to enhance Renu Nakhon Phu-Thai cultural tourism, and 3) study the satisfaction of using the metaverse model of Phu-Thai cultural tourism. This research adopted a qualitative study approach. The research method comprised three steps: 1) developing a model synthesis using document synthesis techniques, 2) assessing the suitability of the metaverse model with input from 9 experts, and 3) implementing the metaverse model for Renu Nakhon Phu-Thai. The target group for the study included 400 tourists in the Mueang Nakhon Phanom area who used the metaverse model of Renu Nakhon Phu-Thai between November 2022 and January 2023, selected through purposive sampling. Data collection tools included: 1) a form for synthesizing the data, 2) a suitability assessment form, and 3) a web application satisfaction questionnaire. Statistical analysis of the collected data involved calculating the mean and standard deviation. The results indicated that the development of the metaverse model to enhance Renu Nakhon Phu-Thai cultural tourism in Nakhon Phanom Province comprised three elements: 1) cultural architecture, 2) local wisdom identity, and 3) creative local community. The developed metaverse model of Renu Nakhon Phu-Thai was found to be highly suitable for use (mean = 4.17, standard deviation = 0.54). Moreover, satisfaction with the developed metaverse model was high (mean = 4.30, standard deviation = 0.76). Suggestions for improvement included adding a distance calculation section and a map of nearby places to aid tourists in deciding whether they could travel at their desired time using the metaverse model.

From words to wealth: Decoding the language markers and compositions of shop names in Banda Aceh

2024-07-01T13:06:49+07:00

This qualitative study examines the names of 100 local and independent businesses to study the linguistic diversity and features of the linguistic landscape in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. The names here refer to those written in specific languages used in Aceh (Indonesian, Acehnese, English, Arabic, and other indigenous languages spoken in the province). The data was collected from five main roads, capturing the shop names for analysis. The results show that English is the dominant language choice, composing a majority of 45% of signage, showing the influence of globalization and the desire for international appeal. While English appears to convey prestige, some businesses blend it with Indonesian or Acehnese, connecting with local culture and engaging diverse audiences. This deliberate language choice reflects a commitment to cultural preservation and authentic customer experiences. Meanwhile, diverse linguistic combinations, emphasizing global influences, cultural preservation, and strategic branding, were also revealed. The most prevalent linguistic structure of signs is product+X (57%), which highlights product types, followed by place+X (14%) which emphasizes regional or cultural identity. In addition, a name/person’s name+X establishes a personalized connection (6%). Finally, in language markers, shop names reveal globalization’s prevalence and demonstrate efforts to convey a global image. The revitalization marker reflects the commitment to the Acehnese language and cultural pride. Identity markers, which include place, name, abbreviation, product, plant name, and brand, establish trust, familiarity, and resonance, creating a dynamic linguistic and cultural landscape where businesses steer global influences and local heritage to connect authentically with customers. To conclude, shop names in Banda Aceh illustrate a vibrant linguistic and cultural environment where businesses use global influences and local heritage to create meaningful bonds with customers.

Studying the current situation of screening, providing assistance, and monitoring elementary school students with learning disabilities in Thailand

2024-07-25T15:30:42+07:00

This article examines the current situation of screening, providing assistance, and monitoring elementary school students with learning disabilities in Thailand. This research applies a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to study existential ontology by gaining an understanding of the personal experience individuals undergo. 70 Thai Language teachers, special education teachers, guidance counsellors, and school administrators were surveyed. Then, the researchers conducted a focus group involving 10 participants, including teachers, school administrators, and education specialists. Teachers’ responses to the questionnaire and questions in the focus group were analyzed using a selective or highlighting approach. Each researcher analyzed the responses independently. The researchers then discussed the produced codes, categories, and subcategories in several meetings and exchanged their coding results. After there was consensus, every category and every subcategory were closely examined to look for any overlaps. The results of the analysis are presented in three topics: screening, providing assistance and monitoring. There are two themes, strengths and weaknesses, in each topic. The strengths of the screening topic include basic student assistance, systematic workflow, and teachers’ expertise. The weaknesses of the screening topic include limited teacher numbers, teachers lacking expertise, and inappropriate screening timing. In the providing assistance topic, the sub-themes for strengths include student development, teachers’ expertise in providing student assistance, and making teachers aware of students' actual problems. The sub-themes for weaknesses include teachers lacking tools for assisting students, low-quality tools for providing student assistance, and teachers lacking expertise. Lastly, in the monitoring topic, the strengths include teachers continuously receiving students' information, fostering collaboration in caring for and assisting students, and producing reliable system-generated progress reports. The weaknesses of monitoring include teachers lacking knowledge, lacking tools for monitoring students' progress, and the student progress monitoring system lacking quality.