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Modern Isan Music as Image: A Positive Identity for the People of Northeast Thailand

Nanongkham, Priwan
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1305593335

Abstract Details

2011, PHD, Kent State University, College of the Arts / School of Music, Hugh A. Glauser.
Due to its historical background as a Lao culture, "Isan" (Northeast Thailand) has long been burdened with a negative image connected to poverty compared with other regions, especially Bangkok. Cultural interaction occurred especially during the period of modernization beginning around the middle of the twentieth century when thousands of Isan people migrated to Bangkok in search of jobs but were stereotyped as lazy, stupid, and backwards. Conversely, during the last thirty years, as evidenced in the rising popularity of both Isan music and food throughout the country, the image of Isan has gradually been changing in a positive direction. Supported by many factors, such as Westernization, modernization, and commercialization, Isan people have been simultaneously developing their musical heritage from traditional to contemporary genres, also creating neotraditional and popular styles. Their new positive identity and image are being projected through the region’s music. For the neotraditional genres, the Thai political situation during the Cold War and Vietnam War was the main factor in the development and promotion of that music as the government utilized the music for entertainment to accompany and support their program against communism. From the 1980s, when the new politic of cultural preservation was enacted, the newly evolved Isan neotraditional genres became “pan-Isan traditional music” popularly used as “school ensembles” at all levels in the Thai educational system. The popular genres, on the other hand, have been supported mostly by the Isan working class in Bangkok. Isan native radio DJs and songwriters in the city have encouraged their Isan radio fans to support their hometown music, to be proud of their own regional identity, and to project it through their music. The result has been a significantly improved image for the people of Isan and much greater self confidence within this cultural population.
Terry E. Miller (Committee Co-Chair)
John M. Lee (Committee Co-Chair)
Ralph Lorenz (Committee Member)
Paul M. Haridakis (Committee Member)
600 p.
Music
Northeast Thailand; Isan music; modern music; music identity; ponglang ensemble; mawlam; Isan pop music

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Nanongkham, P. (2011). Modern Isan Music as Image: A Positive Identity for the People of Northeast Thailand [Doctoral dissertation, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1305593335

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Nanongkham, Priwan. Modern Isan Music as Image: A Positive Identity for the People of Northeast Thailand. 2011. Kent State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1305593335.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Nanongkham, Priwan. "Modern Isan Music as Image: A Positive Identity for the People of Northeast Thailand." Doctoral dissertation, Kent State University, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1305593335

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1305593335
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© 2011, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.