PRPMOTING THE CONSERVATION OF LOCAL DIALECTS IN A CULTURAL PARTICIPATORY APPROACH IN THE AREA OF WIANG CHAI DISTRICT, CHIANG RAI PROVINCE

Abstract

 The research on the promotion of participatory cultural-based local dialect conservation aimed to examine the existing problems and the necessity of conserving the use of local dialects, as well as to develop and test a participatory cultural-based local dialect conservation model that ensured stability and sustainability in accordance with the principles of Buddhist integration.

The research methodology employed a mixed-methods approach. The sample consisted of 391 households of residents who used the Northern Thai dialect in Wiang Chai District, Chiang Rai Province, along with 10 key informant households. The research instruments used for data collection included questionnaires and structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using percentages, means, and standard deviations, as well as inferential statistics including F-tests and t-tests to examine differences between personal factors and the promotion of local dialect conservation. Qualitative data were analyzed descriptively through data classification and systematic organization related to the promotion of local dialect conservation.

The research findings revealed that most respondents were male, aged between 25 and 35 years, had completed secondary education, worked as farmers, had a monthly household income ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 baht, and practiced Buddhism. Overall, their opinions toward local dialect conservation were at a high level (mean = 4.34). When considering each dimension, cultural integration with local dialects was rated at a high level (mean = 4.08), community participation in local dialect conservation was at a high level (mean = 4.23), planning for local dialect conservation was at a high level (mean = 4.48), factors affecting the maintenance of local dialects were at a high level (mean = 4.47), and the promotion of local dialect cultural identity was at a high level (mean = 4.42).

       The hypothesis testing indicated that individuals with higher educational levels demonstrated different levels of local dialect use compared to those with lower educational levels. Qualitative data from key informants showed that individuals aged over 30 years used local dialects more frequently than younger groups. Therefore, it was necessary to develop a local dialect conservation model through cultural integration, which influenced beliefs and served as practical guidelines. Community participation was promoted through the organization of “Cultural Courtyard” activities, which gathered cultural practices from various ethnic groups within the sub-district to be showcased, thereby enhancing each village’s distinct cultural identity. Furthermore, collaborative planning for local dialect conservation was conducted among temples, educational institutions, and local administrative organizations. Factors contributing to the sustainability of local dialects were derived from these integrated practices.