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Awakening Ancient Voices of Sang Sin Xai through Radio
Tutu Phimviengkham

Gokhokho Publishing, Inc.
Washington, DC
USA

Abstract:

The people of Laos have a strong oral tradition that is quickly disappearing in the modern era, taking with it the oral rendition of such epic poems like Sang Sin Xai, Vetsantrasadok (Phravetsandon), Xieng Mieng and others. Ironically, the explosion of modern media may be attributed to the extinction of oral transmission of knowledge and stories; however, such media also has the power to recreate, reinvent and preserve the art of storytelling. This paper will demonstrate how an ancient epic poem like Sang Sin Xai can be recreated with media production for the young and old to enjoy.