Historical Development and Literacy Transmission of the Poya Songbook

Tingting Li, Khomkrich Karin

Abstract


The Poya Songbook, an integral part of Zhuang traditional culture, embodies rich music and folklore passed down through generations. This study aims to examine the historical development and literacy transmission of the Poya Songbook for education and literacy studies in Funing County, Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. Drawing upon a combination of ethnographic methods and semiotic analysis, the research delves into the intricate journey of the Poya Songbook, contrasting its state before and after the pivotal year 2006, when it received official recognition as an intangible cultural heritage. Three key informants, deeply rooted in the local cultural milieu, provide valuable insights into the songbook’s transformation, its role in education, and the challenges of preserving its authenticity amidst modern influences. The data analysis discerns shifts in transmission methods, content, and performance, shedding light on the evolving relationship between tradition and cultural identity. The findings underscore the importance of balancing preservation with adaptation to ensure the continued vitality of this cherished cultural heritage. Suggestions for the sustained safeguarding of the Poya Songbook include innovative educational initiatives that integrate its teachings into contemporary curricula, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Zhuang cultural identity.

Keywords


Poya Songbook, Intangible Cultural Heritage, Cultural Preservation, Education, Yunnan Province, Literacy Transmission

Full Text:

PDF

References


Aktürk, G., & Lerski, M. (2021). Intangible cultural heritage: a benefit to climate-displaced and host communities. Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, 11(3), 305-315. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13412-021-00697-y

Bearman, D., & Geber, K. (2008). Transforming cultural heritage institutions through new media. Museum Management and Curatorship, 23(4), 385-399. https://doi.org/10.1080/09647770802517431

Bortolotto, C. (2007). From Objects to Processes: UNESCO’S’Intangible Cultural Heritage’. Journal of Museum Ethnography, (19), 21-33.

Bouissac, P. (1998). Signs, Symbols, and Icons: Pre-Conquest Discourse on the Insignia of the Americas. Ethnology, 37(4), 315-326.

Campbell, P. S. (2017). Music, education, and diversity: Bridging cultures and communities. Teachers College Press.

China Daily. (n.d.). Poya songbook’s wonderful transformation. https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/regional/2016-08/18/content_26516242.htm

Chinafolio. (n.d.). Chinese Provinces. https://chinafolio.com/provinces

Cobley, P. (2010). Cultural semiotics and cultural theory: A primer. Routledge.

Davis, R. A. (2005). Music education and cultural identity. Educational Philosophy and Theory, 37(1), 47-63. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-5812.2005.00097.x

Eco, U. (1976). A theory of semiotics. Indiana University Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-15849-2

Eichler, J. (2021). Intangible cultural heritage, inequalities and participation: who decides on heritage? The International Journal of Human Rights, 25(5), 793-814. https://doi.org/10.1080/13642987.2020.1822821

Jacob, W. J., Cheng, S. Y., & Porter, M. K. (2015). Global review of indigenous education: Issues of identity, culture, and language. Indigenous education: Language, culture and identity, 1-35. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9355-1_1

Lin, Q., & Xing, Z. S. (2019). A study of the inheritance and education of intangible cultural heritage. In Engineering Innovation and Design (pp. 470-476). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9780429019777-95

Mahoney, J. G. (2020). Culture Industry and Mass Deception: Critical Perspectives on Contemporary Concerns about Soft Power in China. Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art, 39(1), 146-156.

Merriam, A. P. (1964). The Anthropology of Music. Northwestern University Press.

Nettl, B. (2005). The study of ethnomusicology: Thirty-three discussions. University of Illinois Press.

Peirce, C. S. (1931). Collected papers of Charles Sanders Peirce (Vol. 1). Harvard University Press.

Quan, Y., & Mi, E. G. (2013). Characteristics Analysis of the Symbol Representation of Zhuang Ethnic Minority’s Poya Songbook in Yunnan. Journal of Dali University, 12(1), 15-17.

Rice, T. (2014). Ethnomusicology: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/actrade/9780199794379.001.0001

Saussure, F. de. (1959). Course in general linguistics. Philosophical Library.

Shi, D., Li, J., Wang, Y., Wang, S., Liu, K., Shi, R., & Chen, X. (2017). Association between health literacy and hypertension management in a Chinese community: a retrospective cohort study. Internal and Emergency Medicine, 12, 765-776. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11739-017-1651-7

Shi, W., & Nicolas, A. (2023). Enhancing Education and Literacy through the Transmission of Tibetan Folk Music Performing Art in Qinghai Province, China. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 11(4), 151-158. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.11n.4p.151

Stefano, M. L. (2021). Practical Considerations for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003034216

Sun, B. (2023). The nature of the non-Chinese writings discovered in Southern China. Journal of Chinese Writing Systems, 7(2), 79-85. https://doi.org/10.1177/25138502231170281

Sun, B. (2023). The nature of the non-Chinese writings discovered in Southern China. Journal of Chinese Writing Systems, 7(2), 79-85. https://doi.org/10.1177/25138502231170281

Travel China Guide. (n.d). Wenshan Travel Guide. https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/yunnan/wenshan

Wu, M., & Bhengsri, T. (2023). Educational and Literacy Dimensions of Putian Coastal Folk Songs in Fujian Province, China. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 11(3), 244-250. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.11n.3p.244

Yunchuan, D., & Miaoyu, L. (2020). Study on the Educational Inheriting Responsibility of Intangible Cultural Heritage--Taking Poya Songbook as an Example. Education Science, 36(1), 9-14.

Zhang, H., Lee, I., Ali, S., DiPaola, D., Cheng, Y., & Breazeal, C. (2023). Integrating ethics and career futures with technical learning to promote AI literacy for middle school students: An exploratory study. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 33(2), 290-324. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40593-022-00293-3

Zhou, J., & Chuangprakhon, S. (2023). The Role of Nanyue Ritual Songs in Promoting Literacy and Cultural Education in Longhui County, Hunan, China. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 11(3), 264-270. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.11n.3p.264




DOI: https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.12n.2p.53

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Bookmark and Share


License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

2013-2023 (CC-BY) Australian International Academic Centre PTY.LTD.

International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies  

You may require to add the 'aiac.org.au' domain to your e-mail 'safe list’ If you do not receive e-mail in your 'inbox'. Otherwise, you may check your 'Spam mail' or 'junk mail' folders.