LANGUAGE REFLECTS CULTURE FROM SHADOW PUPPET SHOWS, AT CHONGCHAROEN PROF. SRIPAT, SURAT THANI PROVINCE

Abstract

          This research article aimed at analyze the language that reflects the culture from the shadow puppet show of the Chongcharoen club by Sor. Sriphat, Ban Yang Subdistrict, Khiri Rat Nikhom District, Surat Thani Province, using qualitative research methods and collected information from documents, motion pictures, in-depth interviews, field data at government and private events, along with field observations. The results showed that language reflects culture in four ways. Firstly, language reflects cultural beliefs, including Buddhist beliefs, for example, beliefs about seeing the truth of life according to Buddhist doctrines in the impermanence of life. The accumulation of merit, four sublime states of mind, the five precepts and beliefs about sacred things such as the Threefold Refuge, father, mother and teachers. Secondly, the language that reflects the contemporary tool culture includes food consumption such as congee and kratom leaves. The architecture of commercial buildings. Appliances such as telephones, and modern women's dress. For example, tank tops, clothing that reveals too much skin, and the occupation of doing personal business or trading. Thirdly, the linguistic cultures present in shadow puppets include the use of colloquial representations, proverbs, slurred speech, and southern dialects. Fourthly, language that reflects cultural values is household life, how to choose a mate, and how to admire women's beauty. It reflects that the shadow puppets show both moral teachings and entertainment. Language is also an important tool for reflecting cultural beliefs, contemporary tools, and socially valuable values.