The Power of Nationalism Discourse Language in Soul-stirring Songs

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to study the power of soul-stirring songs on literature, nationalism, and ideology that influence the perceptions of Thai people. These kinds of songs help Thai people to love and appreciate their national ideology and empower them to behave in accordance to this ideology.    

Data of the study were collected through secondary literature sources including discourses, research theses and dissertations. These included analytical and critical papers of social issues, power relations, ideology, and various social and cultural discussion. Data were analyzed and synthesized for various discourses found in selected soul-stirring songs.   

Findings of the study revealed that the power of discourse language influences the thinking of Thai people at both high and low levels. For the high level, the characteristics of discourse language affect core Thai feelings and principles. In terms of low level, the characteristics of discourse language affect Thai thought through various literature and song melody. They communicate creditability and satisfaction. Findings further showed that soul-stirring songs rise Thai people’s interest in existence, provide for national stability, patriotism, strong Thai identity and the unity of Thai people.  These reactions to soul-stirring songs also benefit the governance of Thai people that resulted from the use of nationalism discourse language.