Authors : Narin Pudla , Preecha Piempongsarn and Jaruwan Thamawat
Abstract: The Cultural Identity in Lao textbooks in historical period received early influences from Animism, Brahmanism and Buddhism. Education was primarily carried out within the family and Buddhist temple and remained unchanged up to French Colonial rule. During the French occupation, very little was done to develop Laos, education wasn’t encouraged and no importance was given to Lao Nationalism except that France was a good protector of Laos and Thailand depicted as enemies of the State. The Independence movement and Socialist Revolution in 1975 brought major changes to Laos. Textbooks were used early during this period as instruments to convey Socialist and Marxist ideology to the nation. Cultural Identity had been melted to serve the Socialist party. But as Socialist governments in the west started to deteriorate in the late 90s, Laos had to adapt and revise various aspects of policy. Foreign investments were approved and reforms initiated at all levels. In 1994, Laos initiated educational reforms which aimed for students to approach situations with a scientific view. This policy was carried out by modifying educational systems to include studies in Science, Technology and Foreign languages. Other factors that contributed to the change of the Cultural Identity in Lao Textbooks included Nationalism, Socialism, influence from Socialist groups, Globalization, Communication, Tourism and Consumerism. Changes were put in motion and policies were adapted to modernized the country and accept the mechanics of a capital market economy and free trade. Former enemies are now regarded as neighboring friends.
Narin Pudla , Preecha Piempongsarn and Jaruwan Thamawat , 2008. The Cultural Identity in Lao Textbook. The Social Sciences, 3: 455-458.