Building a Culture of Peace in Muslim Community in Southern Thailand through Family Communication

Abstract

Abstract This study is to examine role of family communication in Muslim community in southern Thailand in making a culture of peace. Specifically, the objectives are (1) to examine the significance and the role of family communication in the conflict area of southern Thailand; (2) to analyze what type of issues Muslim parents in the area communicate with their children and family members; (3) to examine communication patterns in Muslim families to build a culture of peace; and (4) to analyze how family communication can prevent children from getting involved in violence acts. It is based on interviews with members of families in the southernmost provinces in both Thai language and Melayu dialect. Purposive sampling is used to select the samples of key informants. They are members of seven families; a private Islamic school administrator, an Islamic teacher, a religious leader, a community leader, a government official, a former local politician, and a villager. The findings reveal that selected families improve good lines of communication in family by (1) creating time for talking through meal times, halaqah , a gathering in a circle where people sit and come to learn about Islam and Islamic ways, and family activity; (2) being an active listener, the most important skills for parents to get along with children and to improve positive relationships, (3) paying attention to non-verbal messages to get through children feelings and needs, and (4) greeting any members with the Islamic greeting; “Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah” , peace and God's mercy be upon you. Most selected parents talk with their children about daily experiences, what is oing on, and personal problems to share and to guide children in accordance with real teachings of Islam and Islamic principles. This is the most proper way to build peace environment in family. Effective family communication is an essential factor in guiding children toward proper Islamic principles and avoiding being susceptible to movement in the on-going conflict in the south.