Abstract:
This thesis aims to study the use of northern Thai culture in Mala Khamchans nine novels, namely Chao Chan Phom Hom Niras Prathat In Kwaen, Dong Kon Dib, Mueng Lub Lae, Tai Lah Fa Lang, Dab Ooparaj, Soi Sukantha, Prai Amprang, Nang Tham and Dab Rajabutra. Mala Khamchan use northern Thai culture in his plots, characterization, theme, setting and language uses. All these techniques help create the atmosphere of northern Thai culture in the novels enhancing the literary values of his works. It is found that Mala Khamchan creates these novels by inserting the northern Thai culture into various parts of the story, such as creating the plot from beliefs found in the region, for example, the belief of holy sword, the belief of ghost or the belief of shaman. Some novels originate from the way of living of northern people while some originate from local legend or history. In characterization, Mala Khamchan starts from giving local northern name to each character. Moreover each character; upper class characters, ordinary villagers or non-human being characters, follow the belief, thought and way of life of northern people. Since all the novels concern with the life of northern people, Mala Khamchan, thus, presents the viewpoint of general belief of northern people, reflecting the way of life in northern Thai society. Mala Khamchan creates scenes and atmosphere harmonizing with plots and characters by mixing the existing places with the invented scenes in the novels as well as harmoniously inserting the local lifestyle such as culture, rites, and local art works into the novels. Lastly, Mala Khamchan uses northern dialect and idiom in the narration, description, and conversation. He also frequently inserts interesting metaphors, literature, folk poetry, folk wisdoms, in order to create northern atmosphere in the novels. The harmonious use of northern Thai culture in the novel writing of Mala Khamchan made all his novels enjoyable and interesting, leading the reader into the charming atmosphere of northern Thai culture. Mala Khamchan beautifully presents the meaning of his novels through the art of language use and thus renders unique and beauty to his works.