A Comparative Study of Proverbs That Guide Male in Thai and Chinese

Abstract

          The purposes of this research were: 1) to compare the teachings embedded in Thai and Chinese proverbs that guide male behavior, and 2) to examine the values of Thai and Chinese men as reflected in these proverbs. The research tools are collection of documents and books, content analysis and comparison. The materials of Thai proverbs that guide male come from three books, and the materials of Chinese proverbs that guide male come from three books, resulting in 44 Thai proverbs for teaching men and 82 Chinese proverbs for teaching men.
          The research result found that:
          1. There are many similarities and differences in the teachings found in Thai and Chinese proverbs guiding male behavior, with the differences outweighing the similarities. Specifically, 11 teachings were identified as similar or comparable between the two languages, while Thai proverbs contained 27 unique teachings and Chinese proverbs included 25.
          2. The values of Thai and Chinese men as reflected in the proverbs demonstrate the critical role that values play in shaping individuals' behavior, lifestyles, and perspectives within different societies. By analyzing the teachings in Thai and Chinese proverbs, the study highlights the expectations of Thai and Chinese societies regarding what men should aspire to be. Thai society expects Thai men to exhibit good behavior, adhere to the principles and teachings of Buddhism, be diligent, foster love and unity, uphold dignity, assume responsibility, and possess a sense of honor and shame. In contrast, Chinese proverbs emphasize values such as dignity, honor, perseverance, establishing a stable family and livelihood, honesty, ambition, patriotism, love for family, and a sense of responsibility. Both Thai and Chinese societies place significant value on the teachings of "dignity" and "perseverance," indicating that these are universally important values shared by both cultures.