Deconstructing the Structure of Identity: An Analysis of the Mon Community Through Saussure's Linguistic Philosophy

Abstract

        This academic article aims to analyze the document 'Philosophy of the Mon Community's Existence in a Multicultural Society' through the theoretical framework of Ferdinand de Saussure's structuralism. The primary objective is to deconstruct the cultural system (langue) that governs the expression of Mon identity (parole). The analysis focuses on the concepts of the sign, value derived from difference, and particularly, the construction of meaning through binary oppositions. The findings reveal that Mon identity is not a fixed essence but a relational system constructed from four primary binary oppositions: Buddhism/Spirit, Mon/Thai, Traditional/Modern, and Insider/Outsider. These oppositions not only define social rules but also function as a dynamic mechanism enabling the community to preserve and adapt its identity within a multicultural context.