The Power of Language and Culture in Mobilizing Thailand towards Becoming a Happy Society (abstract only)  

Oleh:

Siwapathomchai, Sunida ; Thawornphat, Mayuree ; Damrongsakul, Weeranan ; Suraratdecha, Sumittra

Jenis: Article from Proceeding
Dalam koleksi: The International Symposium on Social Sciences (TISSS) and Hong Kong International Conference on Education, Psychology and Society (HKICEPS) at Hongkong, December 2013, page 193-194.
Topik: Language; Culture; Development; Local Wisdom; Community
Fulltext: Hong Kong-Conference 24.pdf (284.39KB)

Isi artikel

The Project “The Power of Language and Culture in Mobilizing Thailand towards Becoming a Happy Society” aims to reinforce the use of language and culture for developing the wisdom and health of communities in seven locations: 1) Thai Bueng Community in Khok Salung Sub-district, Phatthana Nikhom District, Lop Buri Province, 2) Bang Khanmak Mon Community in Bang Khanmak Sub-district, Mueang District, Lop Buri Province, 3) Thai Song Dam (Loa Song) Community in Nong Prong Sub-district, Khao Yoi District, Phetchaburi Province, 4) Thai Song Dam (Loa Song) Community in Rangwai Sub-district, Panom Thuan District, Kanchanaburi Province, 5) Mon Community in Ban Muang Subdistrict, Kung Phayom Sub-district, and Nakhon Chum Sub-district, Ban Pong District, Ratchaburi Province, and 6) Ban Dong Mpi Community in Suan Khuean Sub-district, Mueang District, Phrae Province, and 7) Urak Lawoi in the Community in Sangka-oo Village, Ko Lanta Yai Sub-district, Ko Lanta Yai District, Krabi Province. This project was implemented using a participatory action research approach, applied by various means including: selecting communities with capacities and qualifications to act and develop the project collaboratively; studying and collecting data involving the local wisdom of the target groups; brainstorming and selecting the wisdom that the communities seek to revive; designing activities for reviving local wisdom (with a group of researchers monitoring, supporting, and advising on project implementation); and, finally, managing the session for refining the outcome and summarizing lessons learned from each of the seven projects. Implementation of the project yielded a process using language and culture to develop local wisdom in seven areas, consisting of conservation, continuity, and diffusion of wisdom. The communities participated in giving advice and supporting the implementation of activities, and community leaders initiated and directed the activities. In addition to promoting positive 194 attitudes towards work involving language and culture, the project resulted in community empowerment in many aspects. For example: the communities gained knowledge about and skills in facilitating the process of local language and culture revival; they developed skills for engaging and coordinating community participation; and they gained the media skills needed for producing and broadcasting. Significant results were realized for youth groups participating in the seven projects in that they gained more confidence, decisiveness, and advanced their communication, planning, and problem-solving skills. The most important thing, and the main goal of the project, was for communities to employ a process of language and culture to develop health, especially from a mental perspective. True pride in their language and culture was encouraged and restored, as was their determination to pursue development for the community based on fully harnessing their unique ethnic potential. Furthermore, “participation of the people in the community” is a key strategy to support an effective community development process. In this project, “participation” is not considered simply a means or tool, but rather it is also a “goal” of development for the community. Therefore, it needs a well-designed process which provokes equal opportunities for participants to brainstorm, express their opinions, join in activities and make decisions on any matters that concern their way of life as a member of the community. In conclusion, “community capital management” is necessary for sustainable community development. “Local wisdom” which refers to knowledge of the unique local language and culture of each community, should be revitalized, preserved and passed on by people in the community from generation to generation. However, local wisdom is a “situated knowledge” which requires a learning and adaptive process. It is subject to changing situations and varying conditions. It is dynamic, multi-dimensional and holistic. Therefore, local wisdom management needs “multidisciplinary knowledge” as a means to integrate community capital and other resources for sustainable development.

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