Identity of the Lao Khrang Dialect through the Participatory Presentation by Lao Khrang Ethnic Community at Lao See – Lao Khrang Traditional Handwoven Textile Learning Center, Suphan Buri Province

Abstract

The primary objectives of this research were: 1) to study the identity of the Lao Khrang dialect spoken in Pa Sakae Subdistrict and Bo Kru Subdistrict, Suphan Buri Province; 2) to preserve the identity of the Lao Khrang dialect; and 3) to disseminate Lao Khrang dialect knowledge. The research was conducted utilizing a qualitative approach. The sample comprised 20 Pa Sakae Subdistrict’s residents, speaking the Lao See dialect, and Bo Kru Subdistrict’s ones, speaking the Lao Khrang dialect. The research instruments included participatory observations, a field linguistic collection form, and in-depth interviews with the locals. The data were analyzed via content analysis and then synthesized to write a descriptive research report.

The results revealed that the Lao Khrang dialect spoken in Pa Sakae Subdistrict and Bo Kru Subdistrict, Suphan Buri Province, shares an identity in common; not only do these two communities have similarities in phonological and morphological systems, but they are also related by kinship and engage in frequent communication. In regard to the vocabulary collection, a total of 255 Lao Khrang terms were obtained. Concerning the identity dissemination of the Lao Khrang dialect, a documentary video was created in participatory collaboration with the community residents to spread the identity of the Lao Khrang dialect. Consequently, this research is beneficial in raising awareness of the identity of the Lao Khrang dialect spoken at Ban Thung Kanlueng Community in Pa Sakae Subdistrict and Ban Bo Kru Community in Bo Kru Subdistrict, Suphan Buri Province. In addition, producing the documentary video is another method to disseminate knowledge about the background and features of the Lao Khrang dialect.