LANGUAGE OF STORIES: LANGUAGE STRUCTURE, VOCABULARY, AND PATTERNS IN LOCAL FOLKLORE IN LOEI PROVINCE

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the linguistic characteristics of local folklore narratives from Loei Province by analyzing three main aspects: (1) language structure, (2) local vocabulary, and (3) narrative patterns. The purpose is to reflect the interrelationship between language, culture, and community identity. Data were collected from fifteen folklore narratives obtained from documents, books, and relevant academic articles. The analysis was guided by three conceptual frameworks: (1) the narrative structure framework proposed by Buncha Thambut et al. (2022) for examining narrative sequence and composition; (2) the concept of language as a cultural symbol by Weerakan Kanokkamales and Thitawong Anuttaro (2021) for explaining the relationship between language and speakers’ worldviews; and (3) the concept of dialectal identity by Boonchan Phetmueangloei (2019) for analyzing distinctive linguistic features within the local context.

The results revealed that Loei folklore narratives feature sequential storytelling structures that emphasize the use of repetition, refrains, and compound sentences to create rhythm and emotion. The use of local vocabulary reflects the uniqueness of the Upper Isan dialect and the region’s geographical identity. The overall narrative pattern commonly comprises five stages: (1) beginning, (2) problem, (3) journey, (4) trial, and (5) moral. This study proposes the “Loei Local Language Narrative Model” as new knowledge that can be applied to the preservation of local dialects, the development of regional Thai language curricula, and the creation of cultural media to promote Loei’s provincial identity.