The Reflection Of Environment In The Isan Worldview: A Study Of The Khon Kaen Version Of 'Suriyawong

Abstract

This study examines the reflection of environment in the Isan worldview through the Khon Kaen version of the Suriyawong literature, employing structural theories of Claude Lévi-Strauss and Vladimir Propp to explore both narrative and cultural elements. The Isan worldview, as represented in the text, encompasses relationships among social roles, nature, and the supernatural—elements closely tied to the region’s ecological surroundings and cosmological beliefs.

Under Lévi-Strauss’s framework, binary oppositions emerge—such as human vs. spirit, nature vs. culture, and male vs. female—illustrating the value system rooted in harmony with the environment, respect for hierarchy, and karmic justice. Propp’s morphological approach reveals narrative roles that reinforce cultural norms, with heroes, villains, and helpers navigating moral trials influenced by both social and ecological conditions.

This qualitative research integrates textual analysis with field data from local informants well-versed in Isan culture. Findings underscore the unique characteristics of Isan folk literature, particularly its integration of environmental ethics, karmic law, and spiritual respect. Suriyawong functions not only as entertainment but as a vehicle for transmitting essential cultural values—perseverance, loyalty, and environmental awareness—across generations. This study highlights how traditional narratives serve as cultural artifacts, reflecting the deep interconnection between environment and worldview in the Isan context.