The Development and Characteristics of Zhuang Folk Songs in the Liujiang Vernacular Area, Guangxi, China
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background and Aim: Zhuang folk songs in the Liujiang vernacular area have undergone significant historical transformations, reflecting changes in social structures, political environments, and cultural policies. However, modernization and globalization have posed challenges to their preservation and transmission. This study explores the historical development and musical characteristics of Zhuang folk songs, analyzing their evolution and role in contemporary society.
Materials and Methods: A qualitative research approach was employed, incorporating literature review, fieldwork, and case analysis. Nineteen representative Zhuang folk songs from The Anthology of Chinese Folk Songs: Guangxi Volume were analyzed, focusing on melody, rhythm, lyrics, and performance techniques. Data collection included historical document analysis and field observations.
Results: Findings indicate that Zhuang folk songs have adapted to historical and sociopolitical changes while maintaining unique musical features influenced by the Liujiang dialect, including improvisational singing and non-isochronous rhythms. Though modern adaptations have simplified certain traditional elements, digital media has expanded their reach but also introduced challenges, including the potential loss of traditional performance practices due to commercialization and artistic fragmentation.
Conclusion: Zhuang folk songs demonstrate resilience amid cultural transitions. Balanced preservation strategies, including education, digital archiving, and innovative reinterpretations, are essential for their sustainable development. Future research should explore regional comparisons and the evolving role of folk songs in cultural identity and the creative industries.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Copyright on any article in the International Journal of Sociologies and Anthropologies Science Reviews is retained by the author(s) under the under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Permission to use text, content, images, etc. of publication. Any user to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of articles, crawl them for indexing, pass them as data to software, or use them for any other lawful purpose. But do not use it for commercial use or with the intent to benefit any business.
References
Chen, Y., & Wang, L. (2020). Preservation of intangible cultural heritage in minority regions: A study on Zhuang folk songs. Journal of Ethnomusicology and Cultural Studies, 12(3), 45–59.
Deng, R. (1992). Final review of Anthology of Chinese Folk Songs: Guangxi Volume. Ethnic Arts, (2), 220.
Fan, X. (2009). 100 Zhuang folk songs (Vol. 8). Zhuang Studies Series.
Huang, M. (2016). The characteristics and cultural value of Zhuang folk songs in Guangxi. Asian Folklore Studies, 75(2), 123–138.
Min, W. (2008). The development history of Zhuang literature. Ethnic Literature Studies, 26(4), 23–30.
Wang, H. (2020). An exploration of the singing styles and techniques of Guangxi Zhuang folk songs. Drama House, (36), 112–115.
Wang, S. (2020). A study on the singing techniques of Guangxi Zhuang folk songs. Master’s thesis, Guangxi Normal University.
Wen, J. (2007). A study on the transmission of Zhuang singers in Liucheng. Master’s thesis, Guangxi Normal University.
Yang, Q. (2016). A systematic study of Guangxi Zhuang mountain songs. Doctoral dissertation, Central Conservatory of Music.
Zhang, M. (2020). A study on the ethnic-cultural connotation of Guangxi Zhuang folk songs. Popular Science & Technology, 22, 12–15.
