Social Discourse in Contemporary Lao Literature “Saynamteelaiklab
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Abstract
The research article aims at studying the social discourse in contemporary Lao literature. The study focuses on analyzing the social discourse and implications through studying the literature called “Say Nam Tee Lai Klab” in Lao version authored by Phonsavanh Phanthavijid, which was published in the year 2015, and based on the concept of discourse analysis of Fugot. From the study, it is found that there are 3 types of social discourse: consumerist discourse, conservative discourse, and nationalist discourse. The common consumerist discourse found can be divided into 2 issues: 1) consumerist discourse and classification of social class and 2) consumerist discourse and lifestyle. The power of such discourse has influenced the characters to become a slave of materialism. While the conservative discourse is always presented in an opposite style between characters with behaviors of conserving Lao culture and those that are against Lao culture. The conservative discourse can be divided into 2 aspects: on a costume and on a residence. The nationalist discourse is found through the characteristic of Laoness and of public officers. This kind of discourse is a mindset representing the pride in being Lao. From the abovementioned discourse, it shows that the author uses literature as a medium to convey the government’s policies to the people in order to build a new Lao society in terms of culture, equality in society, and the promotion for Lao people to serve the nation.
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