The Social Sciences

Year: 2016
Volume: 11
Issue: 19
Page No. 4677 - 4687

City Life Adaptation of Meuy People Living in Vientiane City, Lao P.D.R., in Response to Globalization

Authors : Bouakham Thongkhamhane, Souneth Phothisane and Homhuan Buarapha

Abstract: This dissertation is about city life adaptation of Meuy people living in Vientiane City, Lao P.D.R., in response to Globalization. This study was done by using a qualitative research method study of Meuy people living in Vientiane City. My purpose consists of 3 parts: study of the history of Meuy people living in Vientiane City, Lao P.D.R., in response to globalization. Study of the current situation of Meuy people living in Vientiane City, Lao P.D.R. study of city life adaptation of Meuy people living in Vientiane City, Lao P.D.R., in response to globalization Laos is a country with 49 ethnic groups in 4 language speaking groups. Viengchan is the capital of Laos and gateway to Thailand. After a period of relative isolation, Laos is now preparing for ASEAN membership and the population is exposed to global culture. Before, the Meuy used natural resources from their living areas near rivers for non durable housing, weaving and food gathering. They also raised livestock and grew crop using slash and burn techniques. They had animistic (spirit) beliefs and did not have temples. Living conditions and habits changed. Today, the residency of Meuy people consists mainly of modern style Lao building. Old traditional Meuy style buildings are few. Meuy clothing is standard Lao style. Cross tribal/cultural marriage is accepted. Spoken Meuy language is often mixed with Lao vocabulary. Storytelling is focused on Buddhism. The adaptation of Meuy housing has changed and modern materials are being used, instead of traditional materials like wood. Some have changed the spirit room, called “Hong Hon”, to Buddhist imagery and call themselves “Tham people”, others still respect ancestral spirits, the “Phijare” and call themselves “spirit people”. Building the house doesn’t focus on faith. The Meuy have adapted to Lao and International style clothing and accept clothing that indicates class and social position in Lao society. The women preserve and remake Meuy traditional clothing and present them on special occasions in the village or at Meuy group festivals. Wedding ritual format has changed, it is shorter, and in Lao standard style but traditional parts like “Kob Pe Huan” and “Somma” are still important to them. Interdependence has changed from the whole Meuy community to family members or close relatives. They follow Lao law. Norms and values in the Meuy community are taught by the monks and focused on Buddhism. Knowledge of the Meuy language is dissipating in the generations.

How to cite this article:

Bouakham Thongkhamhane, Souneth Phothisane and Homhuan Buarapha, 2016. City Life Adaptation of Meuy People Living in Vientiane City, Lao P.D.R., in Response to Globalization. The Social Sciences, 11: 4677-4687.

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