Teenager Identity Communication through Thai Dialects Hip Hop Music Video

Abstract

This research was conducted by a qualitative method. It aimed to understand the identities of adolescents through Thai dialect usage in Hip hop music and to study the music videos of Hip hop music that had used Thai dialect to manifest the identities of Thai adolescents. Six Hip hop music videos had been distinguishing into 2 Northern Thai dialect songs., 2 Northeast Thai dialect songs and 2 Southern Thai dialect songs. Thai dialect had been analysed by several theory-based criteria focusing on identity, adolescent psychology, and semiology. A result revealed that there were two major perspectives toward individual life decoding from the music video; 1) high ambition and great enthusiasm, and 2) daring to be different and unique. Considering perspectives toward romantic life, it revealed 1) attempting to succeed in a romantic relationship, and 2) moving on after broken heart through their daily life. For perspectives toward society, the study also shown two perspectives; 1) being proud of own originality, and 2) expressing homesickness when leaving hometown. The analysis also implied that music videos had empowered the communication of original messages, helped to clarify and fulfil the lyrics to completely communicate identities’ components. It also increased effectiveness in conveying feelings, thoughts, opinions, and local cultures.