{"title":"Music Icons, Allegories and Symbolic Representation: Iconological Analysis of Thai Murals Along the Mae Klong Riverside","authors":"Traitrung Ploymong, Poonpit Amatyaku, Narongchai Pidokrajt, Manus Keawbucha","doi":"10.1163/26659077-26010013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1163/26659077-26010013","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000This article examines the Thai music iconology – with a focus on the instruments and ensembles and their symbolic representations – of monastery murals along the Mae Klong riverside. It also investigates how Thai music iconology links to broader views on Thai music, including those from Buddhism, culture, and social realms. Thirty-eight murals from the Ayutthaya period to the King Rama V period were selected for analysis. Improvised tools from Kress and Van Leeuwen’s (2020) inter-semiotic, multidimensional approach and Panosfky’s (1962) concepts of iconography were employed in the data analysis. Additionally, an in-depth interview was conducted with key informants, including local intellectuals and experts in the related areas, for data triangulation. The findings show significant influence of music on Thai social forms, religious beliefs, as well as cultural and historical values.","PeriodicalId":443443,"journal":{"name":"MANUSYA: Journal of Humanities","volume":"86 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140426698","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Independence or Interdependence?: The Thai Self-Construal as Reflected by Linguistic Evidence","authors":"Natthaporn Panpothong, Siriporn Phakdeephasook","doi":"10.1163/26659077-26010002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1163/26659077-26010002","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Self-construal can influence the ways people in distinct cultures think, perceive and interact with others. To date, scholars still present different arguments on the prominent self-construal of Thais. The present study aims at examining Thai linguistic data including proverbs, sayings, cultural key terms and interactional data in response to the question of whether Thai culture places emphasis on independent or interdependent perspectives of the self. The findings reveal that Thai sayings, proverbs and cultural key terms reflect both independent and interdependent self-construals. Yet, those that stress interdependency outnumber independency. As for interactional practices in daily exchanges, the usage of pronominal terms, final particles for (im)politeness and lexical variants marking interpersonal relationships make it mandatory for Thai speakers to pay attention to interpersonal relationships. Lastly, in task-based superior-subordinate conversations, collaborative and non-confrontational styles are preferred by Thai superiors. Their interactional style reflects features influenced by interdependent self-construal.","PeriodicalId":443443,"journal":{"name":"MANUSYA: Journal of Humanities","volume":"28 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126358130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comitatives and Instrumentals in Thai: A Diachronic Typological Perspective","authors":"Vipas Pothipath","doi":"10.1163/26659077-26010001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1163/26659077-26010001","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Languages can be divided into three types with respect to the encoding of comitatives and instrumentals: identity, differentiation and mixed (Stolz, Stroh and Urdze 2013). Diachronic data from Thai dating from 13th to 21st centuries ce suggests that these three language types correspond to the three stages of development of the relation between the two categories in Thai, which progress as follows. Between the 13th and the mid-18th centuries, Thai employed the pattern of identity. In general, the preposition dûaj ‘with’ was the relator for the two categories. Later, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Thai displayed mixed structures. While the preposition dûaj was preserved to encode both categories, the preposition kàp ‘and/with’ was also the relator for the comitative. Still later, from the mid-19th century to the present, Thai favored differentiation. The preposition dûaj remains in its function as an instrumental relator, while the preposition kàp has been employed as a comitative relator.","PeriodicalId":443443,"journal":{"name":"MANUSYA: Journal of Humanities","volume":"13 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126076414","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Thai Actors and Their Methods of Characterization","authors":"Thanyarat Praditthaen, Prit Supasetsiri, Porawan Patayanon","doi":"10.1163/26659077-25010028","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1163/26659077-25010028","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000This article discusses findings from interviews with 26 Thai actors on their methods of characterization. It was found that Thai actors have two concepts regarding their style and beliefs towards acting: (1) good acting naturally portrays normal characters in a realistic manner, (2) a major component of acting is ‘becoming the character.’ Participants reported needing a character’s actions to be logical, and therefore need to thoroughly analyze a character so they can completely transform into the character. Methods of characterization were found to be consistent with approaches in the works of Stanislavski. This is in part due from Pantoomkomol (1995)’s import of these ideas into Thai performing arts contexts. However, it was also found that participants’ methods were still flexible, and a view of characters as unique was prevalent. In sum, actors were found to focus on the characters rather than the methods as the best means to communicate with an audience.","PeriodicalId":443443,"journal":{"name":"MANUSYA: Journal of Humanities","volume":"32 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127561500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Images of Thai Women in Thai Travel Magazines","authors":"Permtip Buaphet","doi":"10.1163/26659077-25010026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1163/26659077-25010026","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000This research on the portrayal of women in Thai travel narratives aims to analyze the structure and components of these narratives and examines the language strategies used to present the images of Thai women within the context of travel magazines by combining textual analysis with visual methodology. Altogether 313 narratives from 48 issues of Vacationist, Travel around the World, Neekrung and Osotho magazines published between June 2018 and May 2019 were collected. The study reveals that the meanings of travel and the images of Thai women in the travel magazines through the use of language strategies are formed in a positive way. Solo female travelers are depicted as adventurers, nature lovers and soul searchers. These images indicate individuality and financial independence. On the other hand, female travelers with companions are displayed in association with their roles as wives, mothers and daughters.","PeriodicalId":443443,"journal":{"name":"MANUSYA: Journal of Humanities","volume":"104 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132060474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"“Dream Boy” and “Hotmale”","authors":"Joey Andrew Lucido Santos, Pavadee Saisuwan","doi":"10.1163/26659077-25010025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1163/26659077-25010025","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Gender and sexuality have gradually become the focus of more semiotic landscape research, however, studies relating specifically to sex tourism spaces are limited and with those in the Thai context even more so. Therefore, this paper examines the discursive construction of Phatphong 2, one of the famous destinations for sex tourism in Bangkok among male homosexuals, as queer space. Drawing on code preference and inscription (Scollon and Scollon 2003) and visual social semiotics (Kress and Van Leeuwen 1996), we analyze the linguistic and semiotic resources in sexed signs. Findings reveal that Englishization, particularly the terms “boy” and “Bangkok” in shop signs, creates a glocalized and international queer identity for Phatphong 2. The salience of the lean male muscular body and marginalization of transwomen in promotional signs unveil the hegemonic masculinity in queer sex tourism spaces. The study concludes that sexed signs in sex tourism spaces are semiotic aggregates of global queer culture.","PeriodicalId":443443,"journal":{"name":"MANUSYA: Journal of Humanities","volume":"18 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127325761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Burmese Nissaya Literature: A Mainstream Monastic Education Learning Method and its Salient Features","authors":"Ven. Pannabhoga Herngseng","doi":"10.1163/26659077-25010027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1163/26659077-25010027","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000In some of the earliest Buddhist literature found in Myanmar, a type of translation in which each Pali word is followed by its relevant annotative interpretation, known as nissaya, can be found. Previous studies (Tin Lwin 1961; Pruitt 1992; McDaniel 2008; Clark 2015) only examined what a nissaya is and to what literary genre nissaya literature belongs. In this paper, I will explore the various ways in which Burmese nissaya literature evolved into a mainstream monastic learning method, its role in the monastic education in Burma in particular, and further investigate whether the nissayas can be applied more generally and what the relationship is between nissaya and official Burmese Tipitaka translation. Lastly, this study argues that the Burmese nissaya literature can be compared to be on par with the encyclopaedic compilation on a specific subject.","PeriodicalId":443443,"journal":{"name":"MANUSYA: Journal of Humanities","volume":"144 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123576605","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Classifying “Lao” Ethnic Languages Spoken in Central Thailand Using Tonal Criteria: A Case Study of “Chachoengsao Lao”","authors":"Warunsiri Pornpottanamas","doi":"10.1163/26659077-25010024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1163/26659077-25010024","url":null,"abstract":"In the linguistic literature on the languages of ethnic Lao in Thailand, labels such as “Lao” or “Lao Wiang” are often used to identify local dialects as Lao varieties. This study examines patterns of tonal splits and mergers in the linguistic varieties spoken by the so-called “Lao” ethnic groups in Chachoengsao Province, Thailand, to re-identify and reclassify the so called “Lao” languages collected from 124 participants at 50 locations. This study used the tone box concept (Gedney 1972) as a basic tool to analyse tonal patterns. The results indicate that the “Lao” ethnic languages of Chachoengsao can be classified into three main groups, namely Lao, Phuan and Hua Phan Tai Nuea. While the Lao varieties show typical tonal patterns of Lao dialects (B≠DL, C1=DL123 and/or C234=DL4), the other two groups show none of the patterns. The findings show that the patterns of tonal development labels are better criteria than ethnic labels in the identification of Lao groups.","PeriodicalId":443443,"journal":{"name":"MANUSYA: Journal of Humanities","volume":"4 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132578653","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Friendship, Humility, and the Complicated Morality of E. B. White’s Charlotte’s Web","authors":"Phacharawan Boonpromkul","doi":"10.1163/26659077-25010019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1163/26659077-25010019","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Charlotte’s Web (1952) by E. B. White is a classic children’s book praised for the memorable friendship between its two protagonists. This article explores the problematic bond that results from Wilbur’s greater demand on Charlotte and Charlotte’s act of devotion. It also examines the moral value of humility, from the word “humble” which Charlotte weaves to praise Wilbur, which can be questionable as it is intertwined with innocence or ignorance, and better suits Charlotte who is reticent of her accomplishment. That she must pass on without recognition casts doubt on the author’s presentation of friendship and the said moral value. Looking beyond White’s fictional work, it is not surprising to discover his lack of respect for traditional morality. Even so, the article finds that White does offer certain moral guidance to his young readers, but it is far from straightforward due to his frequent employment of evasion, humor, and irony.","PeriodicalId":443443,"journal":{"name":"MANUSYA: Journal of Humanities","volume":"79 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126315354","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Spatialisation of Text Worlds: Contrastive Interpretations in P.L. Travers’s Mary Poppins","authors":"Kriangkrai Vathanalaoha","doi":"10.1163/26659077-25010018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1163/26659077-25010018","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Fictional situations recounted by a narrator instantaneously trigger a mental representation of a text world (Gavins 2007) which aims to explicate how meaning is achieved by readers based on salient theories of stylistics. This study examines how text world creation is established while reading Mary Poppins (Travers 2014). Crucial excerpts are explored to explain how readers perceive events that constitute the narrative. As the author recounts all events through an omniscient perspective, a discourse world is established through schematic data of all participants in the discourse based on common ground information. Deictic shift (Segal 1995) is employed to demonstrate how a mental representation is spatially situated and to achieve rich presentations of the fictional world. The present study concludes that text-world approaches to Mary Poppins could explain interpretive controversies between the novel and the film, since participants, schema and ontological distance trigger spatialisation of the fictional worlds.","PeriodicalId":443443,"journal":{"name":"MANUSYA: Journal of Humanities","volume":"307 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116193223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}