Linguistic Style of Kham Song Khro in Lanna

Abstract

This article conducts a stylistic analysis of Kham Song Khro (Misfortune Elimination Texts), which are specific ritual texts integral to the Lanna (Northern Thailand) tradition for the purpose of averting or eliminating misfortune (khro) and inauspiciousness. Utilizing a linguistic stylistic framework, the study systematically investigates the unique language patterns and rhetorical strategies employed in these texts to empower and consecrate the ritual act. The analysis identifies several key linguistic features: the strategic use of Pali phrases for solemn invocation and blessing, the consistent repetition of the word khro or its types, the clear naming of specific misfortunes, and the meticulous designation of symbolic locations to which the khro is commanded to depart. Furthermore, the textual analysis reveals a comprehensive system of Lanna folk beliefs regarding the etiology 3 of khro, classifying its origins into diverse categories such as personal behavior, illness, natural phenomena, and astrological factors. Ultimately, the Kham Song Khro texts reflect the Lanna people's pragmatic efforts to manage their anxieties, restore psychological well-being, and ensure auspiciousness. This study significantly contributes to the understanding of the intricate relationship between language, belief, and the cultural value embedded within Lanna’s ritual literature.