Analyzing the Relationship between Malay Lullaby Songs and the Current Thai-Muslim Society

Abstract

The purposes of the study on the relationship between Malay lullaby songs and the current Thai-Muslim society were 1) to compile all existing Malayu lullaby songs, and 2) to analyze the relationship between these Melayu lullaby songs and Muslim society context. Data collection was obtained from 24 informants, and the analysis was through descriptive analysis. The results of the study revealed that there are 110 Melayu lullaby songs that still exist. These Melayu lullaby songs indicated the relationship with Thai-Muslim society in 4 aspects: 1) religious aspect, such as faith in Allah and the biography of the Prophet Muhammad; 2) belief and moral aspect, such as morality toward parents and belief based on Muslim norms; 3) local occupation aspect, such as farming, gardening, fishing and weaving; and 4) culture aspect, such as food consumption in the community, wedding ceremony, culture of entertainment or recreation, and so on. In relation to this, the Melayu lullaby songs were popular and used among all age groups in the past, especially the eldest who used the lullaby songs as a way to make their infant and grandchildren sleep. Nowadays, the Melayu lullaby songs are often used in the family institution and academic context as teaching-learning media to enhance children’s skill development. The Melayu lullaby songs are used to teach moral and ethics for good Muslim living in the society as well.