Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Mahasarakham University (Feb 2021)
A study of motifs of matters appearing in Sangthong in the Thai language and Kyongsang in the Khmer Language
Abstract
The aim of this research was to study motif of matters appearing in the Thai literature Sangthong and Kyongsang, a similar story in Khmer language. For the study scope, the researcher used a Sangthong version of the king Prahputhlertlanphalai and Khmer version from the Buddhist institute of Cambodia (translated by the researcher). It was noticed that the motif of matter from Sangthong in Thai and Khmer language was divided into two types. First, a similar motif of matter in both literature are Conch, ngor attire, crystal shoes, staff, gold pond and silver pond, sabokkhoranee, and golden argosy. Khmer literature has more details about special motif of matter than does Thai literature. Second, a special motif of matter occurs only in the Khmer version under the title Kyongsang which didn’t occur in Thai versions such as Banyan, golden Lotus flower, and elixir of life. Although, Sangthong the Thai version and Kyongsang the version in Khmer originated from the same source which was Kampee banhaschhadok, the societal status, beliefs, and values of Thailand and Cambodia were different. Overall, there are both similar and different motifs appearing in the two versions. However, they are regarded as a great way to entertain people, and with didactic elements in the stories, they serve as means to teach morals to their audience.
