Strengthening Family Relationships Through Traditional Games in the Three Southern Border Provinces

Abstract

This research article aims to study the types of folk games including the role of folk games for strengthening family relationships of Malay Muslim in the three southern border provinces that appear in the children's play songs collected from the collection of Yi Ngo District, Narathiwat Province and some areas in Pattani and Yala provinces. This research is qualitative research by collecting data from the field and related research documents to analyze 19 songs for the play by analyzing the theories and concepts of folklore, the concept of folk games and strengthening family relationships. The results of the study revealed that each type of folk games played a number of roles, which were more consistent with the theory of roles and duties of folklore in society. This is due to the fact that folk games with songs are considered part of the folklore that serves to meet human needs on the basics, social security, and psychological stability, as well as, to help build strength and cultural stability for each society, especially, social aspects related to family institutions focusing on family members to do activities together with music as a medium that makes more fun. The play is not only building a strong family institution, folk plays with lyrics also help children learn other skills, such as language, physical, emotional, intellectual and social skills. In terms of language, songs accompanying plays help children to develop language unconsciously. Helping children have a healthy body because the movement of the body from various muscles. Children are happy and having fun. It also helps to practice observation, tact and intelligence. Moreover, folk games also cultivate social coexistence skills in good relationships in family and society.