JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE, RELIGION AND CULTURE

The The Use of First-Person Pronouns in Isan Creative Speech

Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study examines the use of first-person pronouns in Isan Creative Speech; a stylized public speaking genre performed in the Thai-Isan dialect in northeastern Thailand. Creative speech is a competitive rhetorical performance that combines persuasive discourse, cultural storytelling, and regional identity expression. While previous research on Thai pronouns has focused primarily on everyday interaction and politeness strategies, relatively few studies have investigated pronoun use in performative speech contexts.

The objectives of this study are threefold: (1) to identify the forms of first-person pronouns used in Isan Creative Speech, (2) to analyze the frequency and distribution of these pronouns, and (3) to examine their sociolinguistic functions in terms of identity construction, personal positioning, and rhetorical stance. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative frequency analysis and qualitative discourse analysis. The dataset consists of 30 speeches from the Creative Isan Speech Contest held between 2021 and 2023 (Data collected by Ploypailin Ponsongkhor).

The findings reveal five first-person pronouns, namely เฮา /haw/, ผม /phǒm/, ข่อย /khɔ̀j/, ข้อย /khɔ̂j/, and ดิฉัน /dìʔ-chǎn/. Among these forms, เฮา /haw/ overwhelmingly dominates the dataset, accounting for 90.8% of all pronoun tokens. This pattern reflects a strong orientation toward collective identity construction and in-group alignment with the audience. Less frequent pronouns, such as ผม /phǒm/, ข่อย /khɔ̀j/, ข้อย /khɔ̂j/, and ดิฉัน /dìʔ-chǎn/, are used strategically to express personal stance, gender identity, or rhetorical emphasis.

By integrating quantitative distribution with discourse-level interpretation, the study demonstrates that first-person pronoun choice functions as an important rhetorical resource in Isan Creative Speech, enabling speakers to construct social identity, express cultural values, and strengthen audience engagement.

Language Use in Songs of Public All-Boys Schools and Desirable Masculine Ideology

Thinnawat Sroikudrua — Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to investigate language use in songs of state all-boys schools and to explain the role of language in constructing desirable masculinity within the Thai educational context. The study adopts a qualitative approach, employing textual analysis and discourse-oriented perspectives as analytical frameworks. The data consist of six institutional songs from two state all-boys schools, namely Suankularb Wittayalai School and Debsirin School, selected based on their recurrent use in institutional ceremonies and activities. The analysis focuses on linguistic features at the lexical and phrasal levels, including collective reference and pronoun use, evaluative vocabulary, and modal expressions indicating appropriateness or obligation, in order to examine the relationship between linguistic form, meaning, and ideology. The findings reveal that evaluative and moral expressions are more prominent than explicit directive forms. Such a hierarchical arrangement of linguistic prominence contributes to naturalizing institutional ideology and rendering it acceptable as a normative framework. Furthermore, language in these songs plays a crucial role in constructing desirable masculinity across multiple dimensions, including moral integrity, institutional loyalty, achievement within institutional norms, and the voluntary acceptance of institutional regulation. The study highlights the significance of linguistic organization in ideological transmission and contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between language and ideology in contemporary Thai educational contexts.

The Succession of Chinese Shrines in Thailand: A Case Study of Lao Pun Tao Kong Shrine on Song Wat Road

Punnatree Suntisupaporn, Monchai Saetia, Pathitta Wongkongderm — Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The succession of Chinese shrines in Thailand has taken diverse forms, evolving from the past to the present.These succession methods have influenced shrine development in different ways. This research aims to examine the development of succession at the Lao Pun Tao Kong Shrine on Song Wat Road and to identify the factors influencing its continuity. A qualitative research approach was employed, using semi-structured in-depth interviews with three sample groups: the current manager of Lao Pun Tao Kong Shrine on Song Wat Road, Thai-Chinese members of the local community and administrative officers working for Department of Provincial Administration. The findings indicate that the development of shrine succession can be divided into three periods based on changes in shrine organization. The first period involved the selection of a suitable successor, focusing on individuals with the capability and trustworthiness to manage the shrine during its initial stage.This period influenced beliefs around and faith in the shrine, particularly regarding deities or gods and faith community members.The second period involved a combination of family (relative) succession and voluntary succession.This stage was also influenced by religious traditions or denominations as well as the roles of parents or guardians.The third and final period involved the formal selection of a shrine successor according to criteria aligned with government regulations.Factors influencing beliefs and faith during this period and

The influence of the ancient Indian conceptual framework of the roles, rights, values and duties of ancient Indian women on the roles of the goddesses in the Devimahatmya and Lalitopakhyana

Supak Sakudomkachorn — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This article aims to study the influence of the conceptual framework of rights, values, roles and duties of women in the Rigveda and Manusmriti on the roles of goddesses in the Devimahatmya and Lalitopakhyana.
The results of the study found that the Devimahatmya emphasizes the role of the Devi as the great mother of all living beings as the primary role and insert the roles of the Devi as a daughter and wife as secondary roles that are less important to the story than the role of mother. While the Lalitopakhyana portrays the roles of the Devi as a daughter, wife and mother as per the values found in the Rigveda and Manusmriti. It is a central roles of equal importance to the story.
This study reveals that the authors of the Devimahatmya and Lalitopakhyana were influenced by the conceptual framework of values and roles of women as found in the Rigveda and Manusmriti and selected women's values and rights that glorify women's roles as being as important as men's roles to create the roles of Devi, the main character in their literary works.

The Motivation and Demotivation of Thai EFL Learners in Online Learning during Post-pandemic

Xiaoying Zhou, Chomraj Patanasorn — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigates the impact of online learning on motivation and demotivation among Thai EFL learners at a university level during the post-pandemic era. The study addresses three core objectives: (1) determining whether online learning motivated or demotivated learners, (2) identifying factors influencing these outcomes, and (3) exploring students’ perspectives on future online education. Employing a mixed-methods design, the research integrated quantitative data from 149 undergraduate students via an online questionnaire and qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews with seven participants. Results revealed moderate levels of both motivation (M = 3.54) and demotivation (M = 2.83), with motivation slightly prevailing. Key motivators included subject-related factors such as engaging class activities and diverse materials (M = 3.71, S.D. = 0.96) and teacher-related factors like supportive attitudes and innovative pedagogy (M = 3.67, S.D. = 1.02). Conversely, home environment challenges—unstable internet, limited interaction, and distractions—emerged as primary demotivators (M = 3.33, S.D. = 1.16). Qualitative findings highlighted students’ preference for blended learning models, valuing onsite interaction for skill development and online flexibility for autonomy. The study underscores the duality of online learning: while technological and pedagogical adaptability sustains engagement, socio-environmental barriers and isolation hinder holistic language acquisition. Recommendations include institutional investments in teacher training, equitable technological access, and culturally responsive curricula. By advocating for hybrid frameworks that balance flexibility with interpersonal engagement, this research contributes to post-pandemic pedagogical strategies, emphasizing the need to align digital education with Thailand’s collectivist values and global competencies.

Femininity and Masculinity as Portrayed in the Drama Chao Khun Phi and E-Nang Khamduang

Sujinan Thongnam, Wiyada Pomhin, Anantasak Phonkaewket — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This research article aims to study the representation of femininity and masculinity portrayed in the drama Chao Khun Phi and E-Nang Khamduang. This study is a qualitative research study presented through descriptive analysis, employing Doyle’s theory of femininity and masculinity as the conceptual framework. The findings reveal that femininity can be categorized into three characteristics. First, emotional sensitivity, which refers to sensitivity toward the opposite sex, sensitivity when being acted upon, and feelings of anxiety. Second, self-confidence, which refers to courage in facing problems, confidence in one’s appearance, and confidence in speaking. Third, faithfulness to one’s partner, which refers to openly expressing love and showing gratitude. Masculinity can be categorized into six characteristics. First, strength, which refers to endurance, adaptability to situations, and the ability to solve problems in all circumstances. Second, determination and bravery, which refers to courage and confrontation. Third, leadership, which refers to responsibility in duties and protection of people. Fourth, competitiveness, which refers to perseverance and determination. Fifth, power and status. Sixth, intelligence and strategic planning ability.

Reviving Buddhist Temples, Faith, and Establishments: The Restoration of the Old Capital City through Temple Revitalization within the Socio-Political Context of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya from the Reigns of King Rama III to King Rama V (1824–1910)

Suppasuta Preepremjai — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This research aims to study the restoration and establishment of Buddhist temples in the Old Capital City of Ayutthaya as a reflection of the relationship between religious faith and the socio-political context from the reigns of King Rama III to King Rama V, The study examines documentary evidence related to temple restoration and architectural patronage, alongside surveys of artistic and architectural features in the area. The collected data are then analyzed and synthesized through historical research methodology. The findings reveal that during the reign of King Rama III, temples in the Old Capital City were primarily restored by city governors, reflecting the status of the elites as representatives of royal authority who played a significant role in local administration. Subsequently, during the reign of King Rama IV, The royal court placed significant emphasis on the continuous restoration of temples in the Old Capital City, featuring artistic works that distinctly reflected the royal intentions and preferences of King Mongkut. In the reign of King Rama V, various temples in the Old Capital City were increasingly restored. In addition, some temples were newly established in a modern style, reflecting temple construction under firm royal faith and in accordance with changing worldviews. However, there were also some Buddhist temples and sites in the Old Capital that were not restored. Nevertheless, they remained as symbols of the grandeur of the former Thai capital, linking its historical significance to the continued existence of the new state.

Thai buffalo Naming: A study of structure and semantic meaning

Rattana Chanthao, Runtian Nan — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to analyze the meanings of buffalo names. The research data consist of 487 buffalo names and sire–dam names (excluding duplicates). This qualitative linguistic study employs a semantic analysis approach at the morphemic level to reveal the structural patterns of naming, together with the concept of semantic categorization. The findings are presented through descriptive analysis. The results indicate that buffalo names can be classified into three structural types based on the number of semantic units. Single-semantic-unit names were the most frequent, accounting for 316 names (66.1%), followed by two-semantic-unit names with 157 names (32.2%), while three-semantic-unit names were the least common, with only 14 names (1.7%). The semantic analysis revealed 21 semantic categories of buffalo names: valuables, wealth, food and beverages, humans, plants, animals, power, fame, objects, places, natural conditions, religion, love and happiness, colors, beauty, numbers, time and dates, fortune and auspiciousness, physical appearance, products and commercial establishments, and diseases. The findings further demonstrate that most buffalo names are associated with valuables, plants, and humans, particularly the words “diamond” and “gold,” reflecting the economic value of buffaloes beyond their traditional role in agriculture and rice farming. Buffalo naming practices also reveal the adaptation of buffalo husbandry within the cultural practices of modern farmers who increasingly employ technology in rice cultivation. Moreover, buffalo naming practices closely resemble human naming conventions. These findings highlight the relationship between the meanings of buffalo names and the contemporary social context of Thailand.

National Airlines and Cultural Identity: A Semiotic Analysis of Aircraft Naming Systems of Air France and Thai Airways

Supreeya Pongrua, Wanrudee Kurawan, Kantaphong Chitkla, Danunai Phumphrabu — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This research article aims to examine the relationship between aircraft naming practices and the transmission of cultural identity in national airlines, through a comparative study of Air France and Thai Airways. The study is based on the theoretical frameworks of semiotics and onomastics, with a focus on analyzing the patterns, criteria, and symbolic meanings of aircraft names, as well as their role as tools for communicating national identity and soft power on an international scale. This study employed a dataset of 227 aircraft names collected from the Planespotters.net database. The names are categorized, semantically analyzed, and comparatively examined across the two airlines. The results found that aircraft names of Thai Airways can be categorized into four groups: (1) province, (2) district, (3) auspicious names, and (4) subdistrict. Air France’s aircraft names, on the other hand, can be classified into six categories: (1)municipalities classified by administrative region, (2) overseas departments and regions of France, (3) overseas collectivity of France, (4) islands, (5) chateau, and (6) personal names. Although both airlines predominantly employ geographical names, their approaches to representing cultural identity are significantly different. Thai Airways incorporates auspicious names from Pali-Sanskrit, reflecting cultural values of auspiciousness and linguistic aesthetics. Meanwhile, Air France prioritizes city, regional, and overseas territorial names, often linked to the aviation industry, history, and local heritage, thereby reflecting spatial diversity and the nation’s technological excellence. Naming practices within national organizations function as a form of soft power, reflecting societal worldviews and serving as a symbolic medium for communicating national identity internationally. These findings may be applied to the analysis of identity construction and communication strategies in other organizational contexts.

“Sae” A Symbol of Chinese Identity among Thai-Chinese People in Thai Society

Thumwadee Siripanyathiti — Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 +0700

“Sae”, the Chinese surname, serves as a significant cultural symbol reflecting the roots, history, and origin of the Chinese people in Thai society. It functions as an indicator of kinship, lineage, and the maintenance of a collective identity for the Thai-Chinese community in Thailand. The persistence of “sae” plays a crucial role in strengthening ethnic bonds and promoting the continuation of Chinese customs and traditions to subsequent generations. Although the adoption of Thai-style surnames has replaced the traditional “sae,” it still appears in its phonetic form or as part of newly established surnames. This illustrates the adaptation of overseas Chinese in Thai society while harmoniously preserving their original identity.

AI and the Future of the Dissemination of Buddhist Teachings : Potential and Communication Approaches in the Digital Age

Kan Kanjanapimai, Siraprapha Suntawong — Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 +0700

AI and the Future of Buddhist Dissemination: Potentials and Communication Pathways in the Digital Era This paper explores the evolution of Buddhist dissemination, beginning with the diverse teaching methods of the Buddha. These include the Four Modes of Preaching, which emphasize explanation, encouragement toward practice, inspiration, and consolation, as well as the Seven Buddhist Pedagogical Methods designed to foster profound and lucid understanding. It then examines the current situation of Buddhist dissemination in Thailand, highlighting key challenges such as outdated language, lack of organizational unity, ineffective management, and strategies misaligned with the realities of the digital age. To address these limitations, the paper introduces the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI)—covering its definitions, levels of intelligence (ANI, AGI, ASI), and functional categories—with particular focus on conversational AI. This technology, capable of understanding and responding to human dialogue, is proposed as a powerful tool for integrating modern innovations into the propagation of Buddhism in the 21st century. The emphasis lies in producing concise, clear, and meaningful content through diverse digital platforms, making Buddhist teachings more accessible to online audiences. Furthermore, the paper advocates the use of e-learning systems to support both study and practice of the Dhamma, ensuring that Buddhism can be transmitted and sustained with relevance and value in the digital age.

The Influence of First-Language Transfer and Pedagogical Approaches to Mandarin Chinese Phonetics for Thai University Students

Apinun Thaminlad — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This academic article investigates the influence of first-language transfer from the Thai phonological system on the Mandarin Chinese pronunciation of Thai university students. By integrating contrastive phonological analysis, interlanguage theory, and experimental phonetics, the findings reveal that linguistic familiarity results in both positive transfer for tonal concepts and similar consonant groups, facilitating early-stage learning. Conversely, negative transfer leads to systematic pronunciation errors in phonemes absent in Thai. Students frequently substitute retroflex (zh, ch, sh, r) and palatal (j, q, x) consonants with alveolar sounds, mispronounce unique vowels (ü, er), and exhibit unnatural lengthening of the neutral tone along with inaccuracies in the pitch contours of Tones 1 and 4. Without timely intervention, these persistent errors risk developing into phonological fossilization. Consequently, this article proposes pedagogical implications emphasizing concrete articulatory correction via visual aids, perception training through categorization, and the application of acoustic analysis technology for self-monitoring, aiming to sustainably enhance learners' phonetic accuracy and communicative competence.