A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN LITERARY WORKS OF MALA CUMCHAN AND OF A LAI BY THE THEORY OF CULTURAL ECOLOGY

Abstract

This article is a comparative study between literary works of Mala Cumchan and of A Lai focusing on relations between humans and the nature; roles of religions and beliefs; and economic effects on the relation between humans and the nature. The theories of cultural ecology and comparative literary study are applied on the study of twelve literary works, published during 1997–2022, of both stated authors. Study findings are reported as a descriptive analysis.

          The study finds three main ideas in the works studied, as follows. 1) Relations between humans and the nature, both authors present the idea that humans should balance their respect and dependence on the nature. Destroying the nature provides reflective effects on human themselves. Mala Cumchan focuses on the cultural dimension and traditional belief that the nature is sacred. On the other hand, A Lai raises the social structure and economic aspects, pointing out effects from state policies on the ecosystem. 2) Roles of religions and beliefs, both authors observe that religions and local beliefs regulate human behaviors and assist to protect the natural balance. Mala Cumchan presents Buddhism, especially practices of northern Thai people, and local beliefs in ghost; while, A Lai reflects Buddhism, Tibetan sect, and spiritual power with mental healing force. 3) Decline of natural-oriented ways of life and values caused by economic development, Mala Cumchan shows changes of individual beliefs; while, A Lai relates the structure of state power and marketing system. This study expands comprehension of Thai and Chinese literary works focusing on cultural ecology.  Also, the role of literature in inspiring ecological awareness of sustainable living with the nature is emphasized.