Maintaining the Art of Silk Weaving and Promoting Cultural Awareness and Inheritance: Case Study of a Community in Ubon Ratchathani

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the ways used to preserve the local wisdom about the art of silk weaving within a community in Ubon Ratchathani, 2) study the capability of the local youth in conserving the local wisdom about the art of silk weaving within a community in Ubon Ratchathani, and 3) develop the capability of the local youth to ensure the preservation of the local wisdom about the art of silk weaving within a community in Ubon Ratchathani. The
research methodology is qualitative. The key informants are local philosophers in
Nong-bo village, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University students, and students in a secondary school in Ubon Ratchathani. The subjects were selected by using purposive sampling. The instruments used in the research were an English short film, in-depth interviews, participant observation, non-participant observation, a focus group discussion, and a group brainstorming session (information for the community). The data were descriptively analysed. The results revealed that the Nong-bo silk weaving community enterprise network suggested methods for maintaining the local wisdom about the art of silk weaving. The youth or the new generation people in the community should be encouraged to wear silk clothing to help maintain local wisdom. They should also be taught silk weaving lessons. Silk weaving and local wisdom exhibitions should be held. Local wisdom about silk weaving should be taught to interested people and should be disseminated via a wide range of media including social networks, websites, educational materials, and exhibitions. A short film about the local wisdom of the art of silk weaving should be made using Thai and English and shown to both Thai and English speaking audiences. Additionally, Ubon
Ratchathani Rajabhat University students suggested methods for maintaining the local wisdom about the art of silk weaving as follows. Information regarding
the local wisdom of the art of silk weaving should be publicised online. The students could be guides and could be actors or actresses in short films
publicising the wisdom of the art of silk weaving in order to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining valuable local wisdom. Locally produced silk garments should include product descriptions designed and written in English to explain more about the history of the products and to add value to them. Moreover, the English Major students at Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, who were educated using research based learning, have been trained in analysis skills and have developed their thinking processes and understand the steps of planning. Moreover, they can properly work with others, have wider vision, and are able to share their knowledge and information that they have gained, and use it to develop their community.