Journal of Liberal Arts Prince of Songkla University

Unlocking Learners' Proficiency: Impact of the Modified One-Minute Paper Strategy on Self-Regulation and Student Perceptions in an English Course

Karuna Wongphasukchote — 2024-02-20

Abstract

This study examined the effect of the modified One-Minute Paper (OMP), as a self- assessment tool, on language learners’ self-regulation in learning as well as the extent to which it promoted their self-regulation. Moreover, the learners’ opinions about the use of the modified OMP in their English course were also explored. Subjects in this study were 36 juniors and seniors with high and moderate levels of self-regulation who enrolled in an English course. Throughout the semester, they reflected on their learning by completing the modified OMP once a week. This study employed a mixed- method design. For quantitative data, the self-regulated trait questionnaires were administered twice. Descriptive statistics, namely mean, S.D., and the t-test were used to analyze the learners’ improvement on self-regulation in learning. For qualitative data, in-depth interviews were conducted to elaborate the quantitative results and to investigate learner’s opinions about the use of the modified OMP. The findings revealed that the modified OMP significantly developed self-regulation skills among students with a moderate level at the level of 0.05. Specifically, they became more behaviorally proactive in their learning processes, particularly in the sub-process of time management. For the opinions about the use of the modified OMP, most of the students were satisfied with the strategy since it enhanced their metacognitive skill, involving their ability to plan, monitor, evaluate, and re-plan, as well as their motivation in learning.

A Study of Chinese Idiom Expressions Containing the Word jin (Gold)

Pimpan Jantondaeng — 2024-05-10

Idioms are phrases or sayings metaphorically composed with a subtle hidden meaning that cannot be deciphered by direct literal translation of individual words. Long-standing idiomatic expressions that have been passed down through ages in each language are precious cultural heritage for people using that language, as they can reflect, for instance, thoughts and beliefs of people from earlier generations within the society. Chinese people often use idiomatic expressions in their daily communication. Many idioms are derived from natural environment, and are in line with ancient Chinese beliefs in the five elements of earth, water, fire, wood and metal, considered the basic components of everything in the world. Due to the fact that gold is a representation of preciousness often related to certain beliefs or concepts in Chinese culture, this article therefore aims to study and analyse idioms containing the word “jin” (金gold) in order to understand their metaphorical meanings, as well as beliefs, values and other aspects related to them. It was shown that there were 411 idioms containing “jin” (gold) collected from eight selected Chinese idioms dictionaries, with a total of 414 metaphorical meanings.

These metaphorical meanings can be further divided into nine groups: human, preciousness, beauty, money and treasured items, social status and standard, goodness, stability and strength, nature, and other meanings. Chinese idioms containing the word “jin” (gold) can help us gain insights into the past Chinese society, as well as the values, culture, traditions, and beliefs of the Chinese people.

Implementing Design Thinking Process for Social Innovation to Preserve and Sustain Tai Khern Identity at Baan Ton Haen Noi, Chiang Mai

Krittika Inta — 2024-05-24

Social innovation is a new approach to addressing problems, deepening needs, and co-creating new ideas for solutions with social members. This research focused on implementing design thinking for social innovation, which can be utilized for new products and services, new processes and practices, and new regulations. It was aimed to investigate the deep needs, propose guidelines, create and test the social innovation prototype to maintain Tai Khern ethnic group's identity. The participants were 15 Tai Khern community members in Ton Haen Noi, Sanpatong, Chiang Mai, and 15 stakeholders; selected by purposive and snowball sampling techniques.
The data collection methods comprised three phases of design thinking. In phase 1, Empathize and Define, field observation and in-depth interviews were conducted to understand the local context and define the need to preserve and sustain Tai Khern identity.
In phase 2, Ideate and Prototype, group discussions were conducted for brainstorming and selecting ideas to design a prototype for preserving and sustaining the identity. In phase 3, Test, the prototype was presented to the community, and their feedback was used to revise it. The findings indicated the main problem of youth’s disinterest and lack of participation in Tai Khern cultural activities, leading to the need to create career opportunities from the identity of Tai Khern community to earn supplementary income and attract younger generations to return to the community. The solutions for preserving and sustaining Tai Khern identity were then proposed as guidelines, including establishing databases and learning materials of Tai Khern culture, cultural tour programs, merchandise of souvenirs, and social media activities. These guidelines were finally combined to design "Tai Khern Identity Center" as a prototype of social innovation to transfer Tai Khern identity and local wisdom to younger generations, enhance their engagement and inheritance, and generate supplementary jobs and incomes based on
Tai Khern’s identity.

The Lessons Learned from the Development of Community Enterprises into Self-reliance Communities in the 21st Century: A Case Study of Nong Sarai Community, Phnom Thuan District, Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Kanokkarn Mueangkaew — 2024-05-24

The purpose of this qualitative research was to analyze the process through which community enterprises in Nong Sarai Community, Phanom Thuan District, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand, transformed into self-sufficient communities in the twenty-first century. It utilized in-depth interviews and participatory and non-participatory observation as data collection tools, along with field studies and relevant document reviews. The main data providers were the chairperson and members of the Nong Sarai community enterprise group, totaling 15 people, and secondary data providers includehe village headman, school representatives, and development officers of Phanom Thuan District, totaling 16 people, making a total of 31 participants. Subsequently, the collected data were analyzed for content and results were reported through narrative analysis.

The results showed that 1) The Nong Sarai community is one that addresses community crises through the formation of community enterprise organizations that motivate and resolve economic issues, according to the findings. The Nong Sarai community enterprise group has demonstrated resiliency and success in both its operational activities and the provision of products and services. The achievement can be ascribed to the critical role that group participation played in the formation of community enterprises. 2) The Nong Sarai community has developed through membership, collaborative thought, decision-making, and the distribution of benefits; these are all examples of community participation. 3) In an age of globalization, the Nong Sarai community is capable of sustaining itself in the face of societal transformations. This independence is apparent in the management of natural resources, intellectual property, as well as in social and personal spheres. These developmental procedures are critical for bolstering and achieving self-sufficiency of the Nong Sarai community enterprises. They function as successful paradigms for sustainable development, placing a high value on quality of life, and guaranteeing ongoing advancement.

A Comparison of the Performance of Google Translate in 2018 and 2023

Pugpimon Panyakham — 2024-05-28

Google Translate has evolved into an indispensable tool for Thai readers seeking to comprehend English texts. While it may not be flawless, it offers remarkable features that facilitate readers in grasping the overall meaning. Furthermore, its continuous annual progress necessitates ongoing studies. Therefore, this article sets out to compare Google Translate's machine translation errors in two online news articles retrieved from both 2018 and 2023, from an English-to-Thai perspective. One example from beginner-level reading comprehension materials was also included in the analysis. These texts underwent meticulous qualitative and quantitative analyses to identify errors introduced by Google Translate. The findings of this study unveiled the inevitability of errors in Google Translate's translations. These errors predominantly fell into three major categories: lexical, syntactic, and discourse. Notably, Google Translate exhibited a penchant for making lexical errors in the translated texts in both 2018 and 2023. The frequency of errors in Google Translate was 87% in 2018 and decreased to 39% in 2023. From the total errors, Google Translate made lexical errors in 2018 for 55%, syntactic errors for 30%, and discourse errors for 20%. In contrast, the error rate improved in 2023: lexical errors decreased to 25%, syntactical errors to 10%, and discourse errors to 10%, indicating advancements over the past half-decade. Despite the prevalence of errors, this study aims to provide explanations and practical implications to enhance future use. While Google Translate's errors may occasionally hinder a reader's comprehension, the software still holds the potential to offer a general understanding of a text. Recognizing the reliance on translation tools and understanding the types of errors are critical steps for readers to employ these tools more effectively.

Problem and Need Analysis for English–Chinese Manual Development for Service Providers in Healthcare Establishments in Khanom District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Ladawan Jantawong — 2024-05-30

Creating value in healthcare requires developing English and Chinese language skills among service providers. This research aimed to
1) investigate English and Chinese language problems and needs among service providers in Khanom District healthcare establishments;
2) develop an English-Chinese manual; and 3) assess the service providers’ satisfaction with the manual. The study involved a purposive sampling of 60 service providers from healthcare establishments in Khanom District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. The research employed a questionnaire addressing problems and needs, a satisfaction assessment form, interview forms, and an English-Chinese communicative manual. Data analysis methods included percentages, means, standard deviations, and content analysis from interviews. The findings revealed that problems related to the English language among healthcare providers in Khanom District were notably high (= 4.01), encompassing all language skills. Similarly, problems in using the Chinese language were at the highest level
( = 4.96). The sample group exhibited a significant need for English skill development, with speaking skills being the most problematic ( = 4.73). On the other hand, the overall demand for Chinese language proficiency was at a moderate level (= 2.86), with the greatest need being for speaking skills (= 3.60). The overall satisfaction assessment of the English-Chinese communicative manual was highly favorable (= 4.05). The results of this research could be used as a guideline to develop English and Chinese language training programs for healthcare professionals in their workplace.

Influences of the Séance Ceremony on Politics in Southeast Asia

Patcharin Sirasoonthorn — 2024-05-30

This research aims to discuss how séance ceremonies have influenced politics in Southeast Asia. Four case studies of the séance ceremony from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Myanmar were reviewed. Data from documentary studies from various sources, including AnthroSource, ASSIA, Wilson Web, CSA, Sociological Abstracts, and social media during 2000-2023, were examined. Schema Theory was utilized to explore the impact of ghosts on particular political actions. The researchers posited that schemata should be considered a fundamental framework for understanding the cognitive processes and behaviors of individuals. These cognitive structures shape individuals’ interpretations and social interactions within their environment. In the construction of knowledge units, individuals incorporate common elements and characteristics to categorize surrounding objects and phenomena. Three major findings are: 1) the rationality of alternative modernity is considerably integrated within the séance ceremony, thereby increasing the involvement in political activities; 2) rulers adopted the séance ceremony as a strategy for political benefits; and 3) the schema of rulers-ghosts-deities relates to changes in national policy of the four case studies.

On the Speech Style and Humour Effect of the Chinese Stand-up Comedy “ROCK & ROAST”

Yujiao Ma — 2024-06-20

Stand-up comedy, originating from the West and now thriving in China, has become widely accessible to the general public through hit variety shows like “ROCK & ROAST.” The humorous and witty expressions of stand-up comedians have made this format widely appreciated by audiences nationwide. Stand-up comedy, as a unique form of performance art, is characterized by its distinctive language style. As an improvised speech, the show needs to attract the audience quickly. Stand-up comedians usually need to be adept at using colloquial language to connect with the audience. Compared with formal written language, the speech of stand-up comedy is more concise, easier to understand, and richer in humour.

This study utilizes discourse analysis and content analysis methods. By systematically examining the transcripts of talk shows, research results: the use of modal particles, internet vocabulary, and dialect vocabulary in speech style makes the language livelier, and many words are vivid and interesting, which easily triggers humour. With over a hundred dialects spoken across China, each with its distinct vocabulary and pronunciation, dialects play a crucial role in comedy performances. They bring performers closer to their audience and provide them with diverse linguistic tools, blending humour to create distinctive punchlines.
The use of dialect in a particular context highlights the regional characteristics and creates a unique atmosphere of humour.