ASEAN LITERATURE - THAILAND

THAI LANGUAGE

official language of Thailand

ENGLISH

unofficial second language of Thailand

THAI LANGUAGE TONES

HIGH

MID

LOW

RISING

FALLING

WRITTEN THAI

based on an alphabet adopted from the Khmers of Cambodia

said to have become standardized during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng during the Sukhothai period

WAI

traditional thai greeting

generally offered first by the younger of the two people meeting

SAWATDI KHRAP

greeting for male speakers

SAWATDI KHA

greeting for female speakers

THAI LITERATURE

traditionally heavily influenced by Indian culture

INDIAN CULTURE

heavily influenced the Thai Literature

RAMAKIEN

Thailand’s national epic is a version of the Ramayana called the _________

SUNTHORN PHU

most important poet in Thai literature

best known for his romantic adventure story Phra Aphai Mani and Nirats

PHRA APHAI MANI

adventure story written by Sunthorn Phu

NIRATS

nine travel pieces written by Sunthorn Phu

BOATMAN’S LOVE SONG

A poem that reflects the longing and devotion of a boatman for his beloved. It describes the boatman's deep connection to the river and his yearning to be with his lover.

The poem captures the boatman's emotions as he navigates the river, weaving his love for his beloved into the fabric of his surroundings.

It evokes themes of love, longing, and the beauty of nature, creating a poignant portrayal of the boatman's heartfelt emotions.