Power of Didactic Language as shown in Lokaniti Poems

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the forms of didactic language in Lokaniti Poems that exhibit the power of language. The study was based on the data collected from 438 poems (excluding 2 introductory poems) in the volume of Lokaniti Poems composed by H.R.H. Prince Kromphraya Dechadisorn. The results of the analysis revealed that there were 7 forms of linguistic usage in Lokaniti Poems with a didactic and practical influence on Thai people as follows : telling what to do, forbidding certain activities, pointing out benefits of an action, pointing out disadvantages of an action, praising certain people or valuing them above others, comparing to point out the truth, and making use of group pressure.