The Reflection of Isan Society in Thai Country Song

Abstract

The objective of this research paper was to study the reflection of Isan society in 172 Thai country songs composed by Sla Kunnawut. The textual analysis was completed by using the concept of language strategies in the text of Chantima Angkhaphanitchakit (2018, p. 180-213). Moreover, the reflection of Isan society in various aspects was analyzed through three frameworks: literature as a reflection of the society of Trisin Boonkhajorn (1980, p. 5-10), types of society of Tassanee Thongsawang (2006, p. 5), and the social interaction of Phra Maha Sanong Pachopagari (2010, p. 184-187), with the use of percentage statistics. The results revealed three reflections of Isan society: 1. reflections of ways of life; 2. reflections of direct experience of the author; 3. reflections of social and political ideology. The content of Thai country songs illustrated three types of Isan society: 1. primary society or rural society in the aspects of 1) occupation which farmer was the most found occupation in Thai country songs followed by folk poet, teacher, student, dancer, electro band singer, and merchant, respectively; 2) social interaction which the interaction between lovers was the most common followed by parents and children, husband and wife, friends, and teacher and student, respective; 3) adherence to tradition of self-possession and social interaction. 2. Secondary or urban societies in the aspects of 1) occupation which employee was the most common followed by labor, factory worker, student, enlisted soldier, security personnel, Café- singer and merchant, respectively; 2) social interaction which the interaction between lovers was the most common followed by parents and children, friends, husband and wife, superior and subordinate, siblings, and teacher and student, respectively; 3) social rules and regulations. 3. Primary or rural societies and secondary societies or urban societies.