Ethnography of Communication: Concepts and Applications in Shadow Puppet Shows in Surat Thani Province

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze the structure of communication situations in shadow puppet shows in Surat Thani Province by applying the ethnographic framework of communication of Dell Hymes. The study was divided into two communication situations: a small-scale shadow puppet shows and a full-scale shadow puppet shows. This was qualitative research that collected data from documents and field observations. The sample group was a group of shadow puppet masters and a group of 5 audience members selected using a purposive sampling method. The research results found that the structure of the communication situations in the shadow puppet shows had 8 important elements: 1) the scene and the small-scale shows had the host prepare the place, while the full-scale shadows, the shadow puppet troupe set up the theater by themselves, 2) the communicators, consisting of the shadow puppet troupe and the audience, 3) the purpose of the event was to focus on creating entertainment. While the small-scale shows emphasized participation, the full-scale shows emphasized cultural conservation, 4) the order of speech acts, and the words used vary depending on the nature of the work,  5) tone, many characteristics depending on the dubbing of the master, 6) communication tools, including non-verbal and verbal language, 7) interaction norms, respected in the Wai Khru ceremony, including the chorus respected and obeyed the master, greeting and saying goodbye to the host and the audience, and 8) types of communication, performing arts of local people in the southern region. Shadow puppet shows in each situation caused communication to be different. Therefore, it was very important to understand the rules or patterns of each event for the shows to be successful.