Community Participation in the Conservation of the Ancient Jarieng Norkaew Cultural Heritage Wisdom of Ban Dong Man, Khor Ko Sub-district, Mueang District, Surin Province DOI:

Abstract

This research aimed to study community participation in the conservation of the ancient Jarieng Norkaew cultural heritage wisdom of Ban Dong Man, Khor Kho Sub-district, Mueang District, Surin Province and to explore approaches for developing cultural learning innovations using the ancient Jarieng Norkaew wisdom heritage in three languages (Khmer Surin, Thai, and English) of the Khmer ethnics in Ban Dong Man, Ko Kho Sub-district, Mueang District, Surin Province. The study employed mixed methods, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected from 54 key informants, including local sages and community leaders, selected through purposive sampling, and consultations with five experts in cultural studies and performing arts to ensure data precision. Quantitative analysis utilized descriptive statistics—percentages, means, and standard deviations—via statistical software to identify trends and relationships. Qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews and content analysis. The results from the study revealed a moderate understanding of cultural heritage among the community, with an average knowledge score of 3.41. Active community involvement in conservation efforts was robust, indicated by an average score of 3.92 in much level. The implementation of cultural learning innovations in Khmer Surin, Thai, and English within Ban Dong Man effectively integrated the ancient Jarieng Norkaew wisdom heritage into educational curricula and utilized digital tools to engage the community. These findings highlighted the essential roles of continual innovation and active community engagement in preserving and enriching cultural identities of the ancient Jarieng Norkaew cultural heritage wisdom of Ban Dong Man more effectively.