An Analysis of Thai Yong Folk Literatures at Janjawa Municipality Mae Chan, Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

The purposes of the investigation were to analyze literary devices usage in Tai Yong
folk literatures and to analyzed the language features reflect, cultural values, people’s attitudes,
ethnic groups’ way of life and the cultural perspective of Tai Yong folk literatures at
Janjawa. The study was conducted using ethnography for communication as the methodological
framework. The data collection methods which included document studies and interviews.
Interviewing data was conducted in Tai Yong villages located in Janjawa sub-districts,
Mae Chan, Chiang Rai province. The key informants were chosen by snowball sampling
for representing the populations.
From the scrutiny, the findings of Tai Yong folk literatures found that three types of
Tai Yong folk literatures; proverbs, folksongs or (kaos) and folklores. Firstly, proverbs
contained four themes: teaching about life, sufficiency and saving, diligence, and inter-dependence.
Linguistic features were presented throughout the texts namely: assonance 63.15%, alliteration
30.11%, simile 3.37% and reduplication 3.37%. Secondary, Kaos or Tai Yong folksongs categorized
by the purpose of songs and target group namely, Kao Ko-La, Kao Ei Nong–Ei Nai, Kao
Chip Bao-Chip Sao, and Kao Saew Bao-Saew Sao. Linguistic feature presented throughout
the text. The most percentage to the least are alliteration 57.43%, assonance 41.51% and
spoonerism 1.06%. Lastly, Tai Yong folklore were found three types and the themes categorized
by context of culture: 4 traditions, 3 rituals, and 1 belief.
Thus, proverbs for teaching and suggestion young generation in the way of life. Kaos
or folksongs is amusing between female and male tease together. Folklore for giving an
express of belief, culture, and way of life which concerned. Thai Yong folk literatures
concerned with their cultures, lifestyle and they invented language usage in literatures
from their language, opinion, and real life.