A Study of Ethnic Identity in Oral Literature of Karen Tales: A Case Study in Sangkhlaburi District, Kanchanaburi Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research article are 1) to study and collect oral literature of Karen tales in Sangkhla Buri District, Kanchanaburi Province 2) To study the ethnic identity of the Karen people appearing in oral literature of Karen tales 3) To create a database about oral literature of Karen tales to promote the development of local curriculum in Kanchanaburi Province. It is qualitative research. The researcher studied folklore theory and ethnic identity theory as the research framework. The sample group used for data collection was 43 Karen scholars. The tool used in the research was an interview form. Data were analyzed using content analysis and written descriptive narratives.

The research results found that: 1)Oral literature of Karen tales in Sangkhla Buri District, Kanchanaburi Province found 58 stories of oral literature of Karen tales. 2) The ethnic identity of the Karen people that appear in oral literature of Karen tales was able to analyzed the ethnic identity as follows : a) identity in the way of life, b) religion and respect identity, c) belief identity, d) tradition and ritual identity, e) government identity, f) value identity, g) play identity, h) music and performing arts identity, i) transportation identity, and j) tribal history identity. 3) There are two databases on oral literature of Karen tales: a) oral literature of Karen tales databases and b) Karen tales providers databases.