An Analysis of Origins and Social Reflections in Che He Dialect Idioms of Phron Sub-district, Tak Bai District, Narathiwat Province

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze the social reflections embedded in Che He dialect idioms of Phron Sub-district, Tak Bai District, Narathiwat Province. Data were collected through fieldwork and interviews with 12 language informants selected from six villages in Phron Sub-district: Ban Plak Chang, Ban Khok Phai, Ban Wat Phra Phut, Ban Khok Mamuang, Ban Khok Yang, and Ban Wat Mai (two informants per village).

The findings revealed a total of 105 Che He dialect idioms, which could be classified into 13 categories based on their origins and social reflections: idioms derived from animals (29), household items and utensils (15), plants and fruits (12), body parts (11), local ways of life (8), nature (8), traditional beliefs (7), occupations (4), geographical features (3), human behaviors and personality traits (3), food culture (2), social values (2), and kinship ties (1). The results demonstrate that the Che He dialect speech community is a border agricultural society with strong cultural roots, where people's lives are deeply grounded in nature. Consequently, these idioms primarily reflect rural contexts and natural surroundings.