Ganesha Journal

The Construction of Utopian and Dystopian Societies in Liu Cixin's the Three-Body Problem Trilogy: The Event of the Great War of Extinction

2025-03-17T09:19:37+07:00

This article aimed to examine the construction of utopian and dystopian societies in the “Three-Body Problem” trilogy by Liu Cixin, using the concepts of Utopia and Dystopia as analytical frameworks. The study revealed that the trilogy constructed both utopian and dystopian societies across five key dimensions. The construction of the utopian society was explored in three aspects: 1) a rural utopia, which emphasized an agricultural society, 2) a political utopia, which promoted social equality and introduced feminist political ideologies, and 3) a utopia based on a reimagined universe. The construction of the dystopian society was analyzed in two aspects: 1) a dystopia rooted in human political systems, which portrayed a society driven by populism and political fanaticism, and 2) a dystopia based on the brutal mechanisms of the universe, where an immoral universe was presented, inhabited by highly advanced extraterrestrial beings who used sophisticated technology to invade and conquer Earth. In this context, humanity faced unprecedented violence and struggled for survival.

“Answering a Myriad of Questions" by "Sathien Bodinanda": Content of Questions and Answering Strategies

2025-04-01T11:51:20+07:00

The article aimed to analyze the content of questions and answering strategies used by Sathien Bodinanda in the book "Answering a Myriad of Questions." Data was collected from the book "Answering a Myriad of Questions" (1968), which was the 2nd edition containing a total of 98 questions. The study employed content analysis concepts and presented the findings in an analytical descriptive format. The results showed that in terms of question content, the questions could be classified into six groups, which were: 1) content related to Buddhist principles, accounting for 30.61%; 2) content related to history, accounting for 27.55%; 3) content related to Buddha's biography, accounting for 14.29%; 4) content related to daily life, accounting for 12.25%; 5) content related to other religions or beliefs, accounting for 8.16%; and 6) miscellaneous content, accounting for 7.14%. As for the answering strategies, they could be categorized into eight types: 1) explanation, accounting for 38.19%, which appeared both as narrative explanation and itemized listing; 2) citation, accounting for 18.90%; 3) definition, accounting for 10.23%; 4) narration of events, accounting for 8.66%; 5) expression of opinion, accounting for 8.27%; 6) exemplification, accounting for 6.30%; 7) the use of question-and-answer format, accounting for 5.91%; and 8) analogy, accounting for 3.54%. Sathien Bodinanda predominantly employed the narrative explanation strategies to clarify or elaborate on the questions. Other strategies were typically used as supplementary strategies to enhance clarity, credibility, focus, and engagement in his answers. Furthermore, an examination of Sathien Bodinanda's answering style revealed that he often combined multiple strategies for specific questions.

The Cultural Adaptation of Chinese Students in Thailand

2025-04-08T13:38:00+07:00

This study aimed to examine the cultural adaptation of Chinese students in Thailand, focusing on the problems, challenges, adaptation strategies, and proposed measures for improving institutional policies that support international students. A qualitative research methodology was employed, utilizing in-depth interviews with 15 Chinese students who had been studying at Thai universities for no less than three months, regardless of their academic disciplines. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, with participants recruited via university lecturers who identified appropriate informants based on predetermined criteria. The interviews were conducted in both Thai and Chinese, and the data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and presented descriptively.

The findings revealed that Chinese students faced four major areas of difficulty: (1) language and communication, as most participants lacked foundational Thai language skills, which created obstacles in both academic and daily contexts; (2) educational differences, with Thai universities emphasizing active learning approaches, contrasting with the lecture-based methods commonly practiced in China; (3) lifestyle-related challenges, including unfamiliar food, climate, and inconvenient public transportation systems; and (4) cultural differences, particularly in social norms and interpersonal interactions within Thai society.

To cope with these challenges, students adopted several adaptation strategies, such as learning Thai through peer interaction and online resources, using translation applications, participating in university activities to improve language proficiency and build social networks, adjusting dietary habits, planning travel routes more effectively, and gaining cultural knowledge through observation and engagement with local individuals.

The study recommended that Thai universities provide introductory Thai language courses and cultural orientation programs to enhance international students' understanding of Thai society. Additionally, Chinese students were encouraged to acquire basic language skills and familiarize themselves with life in Thailand prior to their arrival.

The Dynamics of the Principal Wife in Contemporary Thai Novels Over Five Decades (1969 - 2023)

2025-05-14T08:40:42+07:00

This research aimed to: 1) study the dynamics of character construction, and 2) study the dynamics of role construction of the principal wife in contemporary Thai novels over the past five decades (1969–2023). Eight novels were included in the study. Data were collected using two tools: a data recording form on the dynamics of character construction and a data recording form on the dynamics of the role construction of the principal wife. The data were analyzed and synthesized, with illustrative examples provided. Data categorization was based on the conceptual framework of the research to provide a clearer overview. The research findings were presented through descriptive analysis.

The study found that the dynamics of the construction of the principal wife character in contemporary Thai novels over the past five decades revealed six aspects: 1) physical characteristics, 2) age, 3) education, 4) social status, 5) occupation, and 6) personality traits. The principal wife character was constructed to possess proportionate physical characteristics and beauty, in accordance with the Thai feminine ideal. Their ages ranged from 20–30 years, extending to 31–50 years to reflect the role of family leadership. Doctoral education was initially emphasized, while later works maintained a bachelor’s degree as the standard. Their social status ranged from affluent individuals or spouses of high-ranking government officials to those beginning to attain wealth through business and personal success. Characters of middle status struggled to establish stability independently. Their initial occupations, ranging from government officials to housewives, evolved into professional or business roles. Personality traits included intelligence, confidence, strength, pride, and politeness, along with composure. They also displayed a hot temper, willfulness, and the courage to openly express jealousy.

The dynamics of the construction of the principal wife’s role could be discussed in two main aspects: Firstly, the construction of the principal wife’s role was found in 14 dimensions, namely: 1)the role of power as the matriarch of the house; 2)the role of caring for children as a wife and family nurturer; 3) the role of caring for the husband as a wife; 4) the role of ideal behavior of a good wife; 5) the role of social rights and acceptance as a wife; 6) the role of tolerance toward the husband’s behavior; 7) the role of maintaining a happy family; 8) the right to express jealousy as a wife; 9) the role of pursuing a career; 10) contributing to the husband’s success through support; 11) the role of inheritance and post-marital stability; 12) the role of property management; 13) the role of demanding fairness in claiming alimony; 14) the role of demanding compensation from outsiders who violated marital life Lastly, the dynamics also reveal two further trajectories: 1) The transformation of the principal wife’s role 2) The continuity of that role across time.

The Development of Thai Consonant Cluster Pronunciation Skills Among Grade 2 Students Through the Integration of Phonological Knowledge and the Active Learning Approach

2025-06-04T11:11:33+07:00

The objective of this study was to compare the learning achievement in pronouncing Thai consonant clusters among Grade 2 students before and after instruction using phonological knowledge combined with an active learning approach. Additionally, the study aimed to examine the students' satisfaction with this instructional method. The sample group consisted of 19 Grade 2 students from Ban Tha Ruea School who were enrolled in the second semester of the 2024 academic year, selected through purposive sampling. The research instruments included: (1) five Thai language learning management plans utilizing phonological knowledge combined with an active learning approach; (2) a pronunciation achievement test on Thai consonant clusters, and (3) a satisfaction questionnaire for Grade 2 students regarding the instructional approach. The data were analyzed using mean () standard deviation (S.D.), and Wilcoxon Signed-rank Test.

The study revealed that the post-instructional achievement in pronouncing Thai consonant clusters among Grade 2 students, following instruction that integrated phonological knowledge with an active learning approach, was significantly higher than their pre-instructional performance at the .05 level of statistical significance. Moreover, the students demonstrated a high level of satisfaction with this instructional approach. The overall satisfaction score averaged 4.66, with a standard deviation of 0.62 indicating a very positive reception toward the learning activities designed under this integrated framework.

An Investigation of Thai EFL Learners’ Iconicity of Sequence in Temporal Adverbial Clauses

2025-08-26T09:20:41+07:00

The study investigated Thai EFL learners’ pragmatic competence concerning iconicity of sequence and temporal adverbial clauses. The participants in this study were 171 freshmen from Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus. They were derived to the study by a stratified sampling method. The research instrument used in this study was a Grammaticality Judgment Test (GJT). The data analysis followed an inferential statistical analysis of Pearson Correlation. The results revealed that there was no statistically significant relationship between the participants’ use of iconicity of sequence and temporal adverbial clauses. Due to their lower proficiency levels of English, the empirical evidence to support the results was their scores of fundamental English subjects reported at only 55 - 56 percent. This was a major cause weakens their linguistic competence to follow information structuring and temporal adverbial clauses in English appropriately.

Chinese Language in the Context of Thai Society: The Transition from Cultural Heritage to Economic Instrument

2025-06-24T10:58:24+07:00

This academic article analyzed the role of the Chinese language in Thai society from the past to the present, highlighting significant changes in its status and value across various dimensions. In the past, Chinese played a crucial role as the living language of the Thai-Chinese community, being used in trade, family communication, rituals, and cultural transmission. However, its role was diminished during certain periods due to cultural assimilation. In the 21st century, as China becomes an economic, political, and cultural superpower, the Chinese language has regained attention and acceptance in Thai society. At present, Chinese is no longer viewed merely as an ethnic language but as a universal language that promotes economic and professional opportunities in various fields, including education, the tourism industry, international trade, and employment in foreign companies. Chinese also plays a role as cultural capital that reflects the identity of the modern new generation. The continuous expansion of Chinese language learning at all educational levels, along with the widespread popularity of the HSK proficiency test, represents the transformation of its status from an ethnic language to a universal language that aligns with the current Thai economic and social systems.

The analysis also pointed to the inequality of opportunities in accessing Chinese language education, which was often limited to those with social and economic capital. Furthermore, Chinese was argued not to be viewed solely in terms of its communicative use or economic value, but to be understood as valuable social and cultural capital in itself. Therefore, the study recommended that Chinese language learning be promoted widely, equitably, and coupled with cross-cultural learning to ensure it becomes a profound cultural heritage passed down sustainably to future generations.

ChatGPT and Emotionally-Designed Learning Materials: A New Approach to Enhancing Empathetic English Language Learning

2025-07-22T09:01:23+07:00

This paper proposes a novel approach to the application of artificial intelligence, particularly ChatGPT, in the development of English language learning materials that are emotionally resonant and connected to learners' experiences. The study focuses on learning materials development that fosters learner engagement, enhances motivation, and improves second-language acquisition outcomes. The article outlines relevant theoretical foundations, including affective learning, emotion-driven materials design, and the creative use of ChatGPT in generating meaningful linguistic contexts. It also provides illustrative case examples to demonstrate practical applications within the context of secondary school English language instruction. The article concludes by discussing the benefits and limitations of using ChatGPT in the design of emotionally responsive learning materials and offers recommendations for the ethical and appropriate integration of AI in the Thai educational context.