| ID | 052462 |
| Title Proper | Contesting isan-ness: discourses of politics and identity in Northeast Thailand |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | McCargo, Duncan ; Hongladarom, Krisadawan |
| Publication | June 2004. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | This paper discusses the idea of Isan (Northeastern Thai) ethnoregional identity, and its relationship with two major alternative ideas: Thai identity and Lao identity. Drawing on ethnolinguistic research, the paper argues that Isan identity is a problematic political construct, reflecting ambiguous self-understandings and self-representations on the part of Northeasterners. Northeasterners are engaged in a negotiation process about their relationships with Thai and Lao identities, relationships fraught with cultural, social and political ramifications. The study suggests a more nuanced appreciation of the ambiguities of Isan identity than has yet been proposed. |
| `In' analytical Note | Asian Ethinicity Vol. 5, No.2; June 2004: p 119-234 |
| Journal Source | Asian Ethinicity 2004-06 5, 2 |
| Key Words | Thailand ; Identity ; Laos ; Isan |