Isan Traditional Textiles Naming: Semantic Domain Analysis

Abstract

This qualitative study in the field of Thai language aims to examine the meanings of traditional textile pattern names from the Isan region of Thailand, with a focus on identifying their semantic categories and exploring how they reflect local cultural identity. The study adopts Nida’s (1979) semantic categorization framework to analyze and classify the meanings of these names, with findings presented through descriptive analysis. The dataset consists of 215 pattern names sourced from official government publications. The results reveal that Isan textile pattern names fall into three primary semantic categories: entities (278 occurrences), events (98 occurrences), and abstract concepts (76 occurrences). Subcategories are strongly associated with animals, plants, raw materials, and places. The analysis further indicates that these textile names embody regional identity, as demonstrated by lexical items such as “mai” (silk) and “matmee” (weft Ikat). Many names carry meanings across multiple semantic categories, illustrating creative innovation in pattern design to represent the distinct cultural heritage of each locality. Additionally, the study underscores the connection between government soft power initiatives and the creation of new textile designs, highlighting their role in fostering the development of Isan weaving traditions. These initiatives not only preserve local weaving wisdom but also enhance the cultural value of textiles, contributing to community income generation and the promotion of cultural heritage. Notably, although these fabric patterns are native to Northeastern Thailand, their names are mostly in Standard Thai, likely reflecting the influence of state language policy combined with local cultural capital, resulting in forms distinct from the Isan dialect.