Author Affiliation: Northern Illinois University, USA.
摘要
This paper examines the terms 'modernity' and 'tradition' as an ideal-typical pair and shows how they are typically misused as descriptive terms. It discusses the transformation of these terms' use from one of description to one of prescription as they are adopted by 'developing' nations. Focussing on Thailand, the paper shows how the term 'tradition', which formerly stood alone, shifts in meaning as it is put into opposition to 'modernity', and how the pair serve as legitimating terms in a political context, tied to 'nation-building' and the interests of different political groups. This process and its ambiguities are explored through an examination of ritual, public monuments, and semantic changes.
目次
Introduction 325 Tourism, Festivals, Folklore and Ritual 332 A Northern Thai Ritual in the Modern Thai Nation 334 Monuments 338 Semantic changes 347 Conclusion 350 References 354
