Research & Article

This prolegomena is based on extensive materials compiled between 1975-1982 which were originally collected for the preparation of a Karen-Thai, Thai-Karen Dictionary. As linguistic investigation continued, interesting and unexpected cultural understandings appeared that were associated with Karen words. These cultural materials were recorded as part of the linguistic investigation of the Karen language. They include the Karen's world-view, life-style, traditional beliefs, superstitions, customs, manners, folk-medicine, tales, proverbs and traditional entertainment such as songs and riddles. This paper will present some of the cultural data and provide the readers with an opportunity to learn about the wisdom of these lesser known people of Southeast Asia.