Using facet analytico-synthetic method for organizing Thai's indigenous rice knowledge

Abstract

This study presents the results of research where the content and the structure of Thai indigenous rice knowledge (TIRK) were analyzed using the facet analytico-synthetic method (FASM). Six libraries sites were selected as research areas and their TIRK contents collected from the current library classification system, domain specialists' definitions, and TIRK information resources. The methods used to analyze were content analysis, domain analysis, and a knowledge classification approach using the FASM. The research tools used were an analysis form and the results indicated that the TIRK content had 12,326 items which could be classified into 262 concepts and 11,064 terms. These contents were classified into 3 classes, 9 subclasses, and 22 divisions. The first class was core knowledge which was divided into 2 subclasses: 1) rice plants, comprising 2 divisions: 1.1 rice varieties and 1.2 ethnobotany of rice; and 2) rice production comprising 4 divisions: 2.1 rice planting methods, 2.2 rice planting process, 2.3 rice field maintenance, and 2.4 rice harvesting process. The second class was rice culture which was divided into 2 subclasses: 1) material culture, comprising 2 divisions: 1.1 equipment and 1.2 rice products; and 2) non-material culture, comprising 9 divisions: 2.1 language, 2.2 customs, 2.3 rituals, 2.4 legends, 2.5 folk literature, 2.6 folk tales, 2.7 folk music, 2.8 performing arts, and 2.9 recreation. The third class was endemic knowledge which was divided into 4 subclasses: 1) local scholars, 2) ages, 3) ethnics group, and 4) geographical area.