Linguistic Strategies for Introducing Content in the Thai Textbook Series “Wannakhadi Lamnam”

Abstract

       This article aims to study the linguistic strategies found in the introductory sections of the Thai textbook series “Wannakhadi Lamnam” for primary school students in grades 1–6, comprising 19 lessons. The study identified six linguistic strategies for introducing content as follows: 1) introduction through names, which includes the names of literary characters, ethnic groups, Aesop’s fables, textbooks, or literary compositions; 2) introduction through elements of folktales, which include descriptions of settings, story backgrounds, or narrative styles; 3) introduction through the values and beauty of the stories; 4)  introduction through Thai idioms, such as “Sornsin Mai Kin Kan” (incompatible like oil and water), “Dek Liang Kae” (The boy who cried wolf), or “Kratai Tuen Toom” (A panic-stricken rabbit); 5) introduction through questions; and 6) introduction through onomatopoeia, such as utilizing words that mimic natural sounds or animal sounds. The six strategies highlight the varied linguistic techniques used in Thai primary school textbooks to ignite curiosity and maintain students’ engagement with the core literary content.