“Message” Generation Strategies in Khmer Ghost Cartoons

Abstract

The objectives of this article are 1) to identify the types of ghosts appearing in Khmer spooky cartoons and 2) to study the method of “message” generation by studying 25 cartoon books published by Enjoy Reading Publishing House. The results are as follows. Firstly, ghosts appearing in Khmer spooky cartoons can be divided into 2 groups. Group 1: ghosts named with common nouns, namely ghosts  /k^hmaoc/ and spirits /viñ - ñien/ and Group 2: ghosts that are clearly specified with certain types, such as Pregnant ghosts /k^hmaoc phu(eh thom/, House ghosts /cum-naaN p^hte(eh/, Iron Wood nymphs /nieN priej daem kOOkii/, Water ghosts /p^hsaot tk/, Kumanthong /mrñ kON-viel/, Monsters /a-so-ra-kaaj/, and Guardian ancestor spirits /ne(ek taa/. Secondly, the four strategies for “message” generation in Khmer spooky cartoon books consists of: 1) to capture the reader’s attention; 2) to establish a shared experiential connection between the sender and the receiver; 3) to address the recipient’s specific needs, and 4) to provide the reader with guidance and advice. All of the strategies are instrumental in engrossing the audience within the realm of horror aesthetics and socialization.