Oral Literature: Essences of Thai Muslim Folk Tales in Nakian Subdistrict, Muang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

This research aimed to collect and study the essence of Thai Muslim folk tales in Nakian Subdistrict, Muang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The research used qualitative methodology and collected field data using non-participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus groups. The researcher chose eight villages in Nakian Subdistrict, Muang District in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province to collect the data. All villages must have Muslim people, not less than 80 %. The researcher used snowball sampling to select the key informants. These key informants must be Muslim people over 40 years old and have settled in this locality for over 20 years. They must have the suitable ability with a good thinking process and memory and know how to tell folk tales. The research presented the data analysis results using descriptive analysis. 

          The research showed that there were 55 folk tales collected. The essences of Thai folk tales in Nakian Subdistrict, Muang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province were composed of 4 main issues: belief in Karma, belief in holy things, family institution, and social institution. The stories in the folk tales reflected that Thai-Muslim people in Nakian Subdistrict gave importance to religious dharmic principles and were strict with the convention. They conducted their daily life under the rules that were the social norm because it was vital to have good performance in daily life. They inset the dharmic principles, instructions, and religious practices into the folk tales. They used folk tales as a tool to teach and instruct their descendants or people in society.