Thai Literature in semi-academic pocketbooks (2015-2019 A.D.): The production and dissemination of knowledge outside the Fundamental Thai Textbook ‘Wannakhadivichak’ (2008 A.D.)
3
Issued Date
2022-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
16867459
eISSN
28220668
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105010689767
Journal Title
Journal of Thai Studies
Volume
18
Issue
1
Start Page
121
End Page
160
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Thai Studies Vol.18 No.1 (2022) , 121-160
Suggested Citation
Phongpheng V. Thai Literature in semi-academic pocketbooks (2015-2019 A.D.): The production and dissemination of knowledge outside the Fundamental Thai Textbook ‘Wannakhadivichak’ (2008 A.D.). Journal of Thai Studies Vol.18 No.1 (2022) , 121-160. 160. Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/111337
Title
Thai Literature in semi-academic pocketbooks (2015-2019 A.D.): The production and dissemination of knowledge outside the Fundamental Thai Textbook ‘Wannakhadivichak’ (2008 A.D.)
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Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
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Abstract
This study aims at analyzing the production and dissemination of Thai literature in semi-academic pocketbooks (2015-2019 A.D.), as compared to the Fundamental Thai Textbook ‘Wannakhadivichak’ (2008 A.D.) by applying the concept of Pierre Bourdier regarding the sociology of literature and the “field”. The study found that the process of production and dissemination of Thai literature textbooks has sustained the cultural structure of national education. It can be seen that the content in textbooks reveals the criteria used for the type selection based on Thai literature heritage produced by the Royal Society of Literature and that produced by elite scholars of Siam. In this production process, didactic literature has been selected to be the important data to explain the value of literature as an esthetic production of elite writers and a reflection of traditional Thai society and culture. Such a process is different from the production of non-textbooks, where it was found that such textbooks are produced by those outside the Thai literature field. The content of such textbooks aims to explain bits of knowledge outside textbooks and question the concept of values in mainstream Thai literature textbooks. The production of non-textbook outside the national education system results in limited audiences, short-term life and inconsistent dissemination. Knowledge of Thai literature is a cultural capital for academicians inside and outside the field of literature. For insiders, knowledge of literature contributes to an academic network in the national education system; whereas for outsiders, Thai literature is to make income and provide visibility in publication and modern knowledge platforms. In conclusion, this study reveals that the characteristics of knowledge bargaining in the field of Thai literature still clings to the national education system because of the transformation of the function of Thai literature by the national education sector.