THE LANGUAGE THAT REFLECTS THE CULTURE OF CHANTING PHRA MALAI OF THE VAREE HOUSE, PANYAPIWONG, SURAT THANI PROVINCE

Abstract

The objective of this research article is to analyze the language that reflects the culture of chanting Phra Malai of the Varee House, Panyapiwong, Surat Thani Province. It uses a qualitative research method by collecting data from documents, VDOs, in-depth interviews, field information at funerals and public and private events, as well as field observations. The main informants were 4 people who chanted Phra Malai as the source of the sound or the mother of the song. Use the method of selecting specific informants. and presented the results of data by descriptive analytical method. The findings showed that there were 4 aspects of language that reflected culture: firstly, language that reflects belief culture is Buddhist beliefs and superstition beliefs. Secondly, language reflects the culture of local wisdom, including natural living, transportation, house architecture, tools, time signs, costumes, musical instruments, and funeral rituals. Thirdly, language reflects the linguistic culture that appears in the Phra Malai script, including idioms, the use of pronouns, speaking indirectly, local dialects, and Pali. Fourthly, language that reflects the culture of values, such as women reserving themselves and women's beauty values. This research, therefore, reflects that chanting Phra Malai for both giving morals and entertainment is also an important tool in reflecting the culture of beliefs, way of life, wisdom, and values that are valuable to society.