The process of Karen culture preservation : a case study of temporary shelter at Mae La, Tha Song Yang district, Tak province

Abstract

This thesis have two objectives, one is to study the existing Karen culture which is still practiced in the temporary shelter at Ban Mae La, Thasongyang District, Tak Province. The second objective is to study the preservation process of Karen culture operated within the shelter. This thesis applied qualitative approach which comprised of two parts, one is documentary research and the other is field study. At Mae La, in depth interviews were done with various key informants as well as students and other ordinary people observation with and without participations were also applied. The finding of this thesis are as follows: 1) most of the Karen still practice Karen culture especially among the elders and middle aged men and women, while the younger generation trends to adopt Thai culture which surrounding them more and more, be it, language, dressing, gesture which imitate Thai teenagers. They prefer to listen to Thai songs as well as sing Thai songs. In this regard, preservation process is considered and planed in order to call attentions among Karen youth to appreciate Karen Culture. The process is carried and participated by all levels such as family unit, school and community at large. The policy is set and distributed among various stake-holders to participate schools and teachers put Karen culture in Curriculum and teach in class, while various groups organize training, music and singing contests as well as organize Karen festivals and custom within Mae La temporary shelter.