The Otherness of the Laotians Sharing Lanxang Cultural Heritage on Both Sides of the Mekong River during 1713-1953 A.D.

Abstract

Abstract

This article seeks to explore and analyze the sense of otherness experienced by the Laotians who shared the Lan Xang cultural heritage on both sides of the Mekong River during 1713-1953 A.D. The author conducted this study using a historical approach, whereby relevant historical sources were synthesized. This study was influenced by the concept of otherness through the perspective of socialist thinkers who stated that “the problem of humankind stems from discrimination against races and cultures of one another.” Four areas of study were investigated: the communities located on both sides of the Mekong River, the origin of otherness, the modern nation state, and the fraternity/brotherhood of the Mekong People. The findings shed light on the perceived identity of the Lan Xang people during the period that evolved from disunited political units but still shared Lan Xang cultural heritages (i.e., using the Lao language as a primary means of communication, believing in animism, and having faith in Buddhism and practices known as heet 12 kong 14). It was found that Lan Xang people felt the sense of otherness or differences from one another during the emersion of the modern nation state (1893-1953 A.D.). During this period, the governments of the two countries along the Mekong River educated their citizens to stay loyal to the monarchy and Buddhism. At the same time, the socialist movement taught its followers to believe in the people’s democratic system and the monolithic political party. Keywords: the otherness of the Laotian, Lanxang cultural heritage’s sharers, both sides of the Mekong River, history during 1713-1953 A.D.