Robert Cummings
Abstract
This study examines the Chinese New Year Festival as celebrated in Hat Yai, Thailand to analyze the continuity and changes of Chinese-influenced cultural characteristics of the community. The practices maintained demonstrate distinguishing characteristics of 1) the prominent role of volunteer community organizations, 2) low uncertainty avoidance and syncretism, 3) long-term pragmatic orientation, and 4) competitiveness and power. Government and economic forces have challenged the continuity of the ethnic Chinese heritage, but practice of Chinese cultural traditions and identity as a distinct Thai-Chinese community remain strong.
(Published in Rian Thai: International Journal of Thai Studies, Volume 9/2016, Page 169-202)
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