Paper Title
Uraklawoi’s Child’s Play In The Changing Cultural Life Of Indigenous People On The Andaman Coast Of Thailand
Abstract
This quantitative research was conducted to examine UrakLawoi young children’s play and its relationship to their overall development in specific areas. In the past, very little research was focused on how UrakLawoi’s children’s play and the possible impact it might have on their future. Participants in the study were recruited from those able to accurately convey oral tradition, written evidences, and/or relevant documents. Also selected, were local experts who were able to accurately provide supporting information through extensive interviewing. Data was collected through document studies and field work carried out in Ban HauLaem, in the Sanga-U village, at Klong Dau Beach, in Toe BaLiew village at KohLantaYai, at Krabi, Rawei Beach, and at KohSireh in Phuket. All interviews were conducted using structured and unstructured formats, with supporting data from participant observations, group discussions, and local expert interviews. Findings revealed that UrakLawoi young children’s play can be placed into six categories; socio-dramatic play, social play, locomotor skills play, master play, object play, and recapitulative play, for example, selling goods (KhayKhong), tiptoe jumping (KrayengKradod, TaKradod, TangTe), chasing (Wing Li Cab), climbing Trees (Peen TonMai), Drawing in the Sand (Wad Rup Bon PhunThray), clay modeling (Pun Din NamMun),throwing clay (Pa Din NamMun), and parade participation during the Floating Boat Festival (Den HaeReau). These plays enhance the development of their social skills in particular areas, such as making friends and positive interaction in group settings, communication and language practices, fine motor skills development, as well as the unearthing of their ancestry, history, rituals, and stories. However, the UrakLawoi daily life has dramatically changed with the development of tourism, increased technology, and improved educational system. They intensely play Internet games or online games which they play in solitude, preferring social isolation. The implications of the findings can be used as guidance for school directors, teachers, community leaders, researchers, and parents.
Keywords - UrakLawoi, Child’s Play, Indigenous People, Andaman Sea