Ethnic Identity Construction Of Tai Koh Kong In Cambodia

Abstract

This research paper aims to study the ethnic identity construction of TaiKoh Kong in Koh Kong Province, Cambodia. This study used the concept of ethnic identity to collect ethnographic data in three communities: Tropaing Rung and KohKapi in Koh Kong District, and PraekSvay in Khemarak`Phumin District, Koh Kong Province, Cambodia. A survey was applied for participant and non-participant observation in TaiKoh Kong people. The respondents were asked about their personal history, community history, beliefs, rituals and daily life in the community.The results showed that Tai Koh Kong people also present and construct their ethnic identity through language usage, cultural traditions, beliefs and rituals in everyday life and social memories. However, the conservation and construction of the ethnic identity is modified in accordance with the Cambodian political society, economy and culture which would be an interesting issue that needs to be studied to explore the ethnic identity of TaiKoh Kong.