Dongjing Chinese Folk Music in Enhancing Musical Literacy and Education

Shuying Jian, Sayam Chuangprakhon, Piyapun Santaveesuk

Abstract


Dongjing Chinese folk music, a traditional musical form deeply embedded in the cultural heritage of the Naxi people, combines elements of Han and Naxi cultural traditions. This study explores the role of Dongjing Chinese folk music in enhancing musical literacy and education among students and communities in Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. From ancient Chinese religious practices, Dongjing music has evolved into a significant cultural expression, serving the community’s social and religious functions. The research explores how integrating Dongjing music into educational practices can enhance musical literacy and foster cultural preservation. Utilizing a qualitative case study approach, data was collected through semi-structured interviews with sixteen informants, including cultural leaders, musicians, and educators. The analysis revealed that incorporating Dongjing music into curricula significantly improves students’ musical literacy by providing practical experience with traditional instruments and fostering a deeper connection to their cultural identity. However, challenges such as globalization and the dominance of Western music education highlight the need for more structured and innovative programs. The study suggests further research on integrating traditional music across different regions, the role of digital technology in music preservation, and the importance of intergenerational transmission in sustaining these musical traditions.

Keywords


Dongjing Chinese Folk Music, Musical Literacy, Cultural Preservation, Education, Naxi Culture

Full Text:

PDF

References


Arcones, P. C. (2015). Sons of heaven, brothers of nature: The Naxi of southwest China. Pedro Ceinos.

Barton, G. (2018). Music learning and teaching in culturally and socially diverse contexts: Implications for classroom practice. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95408-0

Blum, S. (2023). Music Theory in Ethnomusicology. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780199303526.001.0001

Boyu, Z. (2019). Applied Ethnomusicology in China. In S. Pettan & J. T. Titon (Eds.), Public Ethnomusicology, Education, Archives, & Commerce: An Oxford Handbook of Applied Ethnomusicology (Vol. 3, p. 254). Oxford University Press.

Bresler, L., & Stake, R. E. (2017). Qualitative research methodology in music education. In M. Moore (Eds.), Critical essays in music education (Vol. 1, pp. 113-128). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315095257-8

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

Carter, S. Z. (2021). Integration of Chinese traditional music in contemporary violin works by Ma Sicong, Chen Yi, and Bright Sheng [Doctoral dissertation], Boston University.

Chan, C. S. C. (2018). Sustainability of indigenous folk tales, music and cultural heritage through innovation. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, 8(3), 342-361. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCHMSD-06-2017-0044

Crawford, R. (2017). Rethinking teaching and learning pedagogy for education in the twenty-first century: blended learning in music education. Music Education Research, 19(2), 195-213. https://doi.org/10.1080/14613808.2016.1202223

Howard, K. (Ed.). (2016). Music as intangible cultural heritage: Policy, ideology, and practice in the preservation of East Asian traditions. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315596723

Junyou, C., & Chantamala, O. (2024). The Lead Male in the Puxian Opera: Maintaining Cultural Identity and Traditional Body Practice in the Context of Chinese Contemporary Dance. The International Journal of Critical Cultural Studies, 22(2), 155-174. https://doi.org/10.18848/2327-0055/CGP/v22i02/155-174

Kertz-Welzel, A. (2018). Globalizing music education: A framework. Indiana University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt2204p3c

Li, C. (2023). Safeguarding Chinese traditional local opera as intangible cultural heritage: a study of Maoqiang Opera in Shandong, China [Doctoral dissertation]. Durham University.

Li, R. (2022). Chinese folk music: Study and dissemination through online learning courses. Education and Information Technologies, 27(7), 8997-9013. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11003-w

Meng, G., & Chuangprakhon, S. (2024). Education and Learning Guidelines for the Preservation and Protection of Qinghai Mongolian Folk Songs in China. Journal of Education and Learning, 13(2), 75-84. https://doi.org/10.5539/jel.v13n2p75

Provine, R. C., Tokumaru, Y., & Witzleben, J. L. (2017a). Section 3: Social and Regional Contexts in China. In The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music (pp. 409-476). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781315086507

Provine, R. C., Tokumaru, Y., & Witzleben, J. L. (2017b). Section 4: Music of China’s National Minorities. In The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music (pp. 477-568). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781315086507

Rees, H. (1995). The many musics of a Chinese county town: A case-study of co-existence in Lijiang, Yunnan province. Asian music, 27(1), 63-102. https://doi.org/10.2307/834497

Rees, H. (2010). Echoes of history: Naxi music in modern China. Oxford University Press.

Su, J. (2019). Understanding the changing intangible cultural heritage in tourism commodification: the music players’ perspective from Lijiang, China. Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change, 17(3), 247-268. https://doi.org/10.1080/14766825.2018.1427102

Sun, D., Wang, C., & Chi, Y. (2022). Preschool Education in China: The Research on Curriculum Design and Teaching Strategies. Asian Education Studies, 7(2), 51-55. https://doi.org/10.20849/aes.v7i2.1135

Wang, Y., & Thotham, A. (2024). Literacy Transmission of Chinese Folk Songs in Southern Shaanxi. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 12(3), 143-149. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.12n.3p.143

Xu, C., & Karin, K. (2024). The Role of Lusheng Chinese Musical Instruments in Promoting Literacy through Educational Functions and Transmission. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 12(2), 46-52. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.12n.2p.46

Zhang, J. (2018). Folklore in China: Past, Present, and Challenges. Humanities, 7(2), 2-20. https://doi.org/10.3390/h7020035

Zhuo, X. (2018). The Religious Culture of the Chinese. In Z. Xinping (Eds.), Religious Faith of the Chinese (pp. 209-241). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-6379-4_5




DOI: https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.12n.4p.151

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Bookmark and Share


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

2013-2024 (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.