THE MYTHS AND FOLKTALES ARE USED TO CULTURAL IDENTITY NEGOTIATION UNDER THE CURRENT SOCIAL CONTEXT IN ISAN

Abstract

          The objectives of this article were to: study the use of myths and folktales of the Tai Diasporas in Isan for cultural negotiation under the context of Isan society. It was used by the ten groups of Tai Diasporas who have lived in Isan region since the past and used Tai language i.e., Ka loeng, Nyo, Tai boeng, Tai Loei, Tai Dam, Phu tai, Phuen, Yoy, Laos and Sak. The methodology is mainly for collecting data from documented records and field data additionally. The results of this study revealed that myths and folktales of the Tai diasporas in Isan were used to negotiate cultural identity under the context of Isan society. It was also found that 1) The myth and folktales of the Tai Diasporas in Isan are used to construct social space, 2) The myth and folktales of the Tai Diasporas in Isan are used to power negotiation, 3) The myth and folktales of the Tai Diasporas in Isan are used to cultural reproduction. By the use of myths and folktales of the Tai Diasporas in Isan for cultural reproduction are remarkable, make others ethnic groups be well-know and be more socially acceptable. Including, cultural reproduction has become an economic stimulus for people in the community. Particularly, the use of myths and folktales is the cost of production and tourism. The myths and folktales of the ethnic Tai Diasporas in Isan are narratives that are consistent with the nature, way of life, beliefs and history of each ethnic group. They are another important way of expressing ethnic identity and also an important tool in cultural negotiation which is reproduced and modified the way in accordance with current Isan social context.