The folk songs of the Huizhou region in
Guangdong Province, China, are richly diverse and embody the area's profound
cultural heritage. This study examines three distinct regional folk songs: the
Huiyang Jiege, Ruhu Fishing Song, and Huidong Fishermen's Song, aiming to
delineate their musical styles and cultural expressions and how they mirror the
local culture. Utilizing both questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews,
this research engages with 326 residents and 16 cultural experts from various
counties within Huizhou City. The study methodically evaluates the artistic
features of these folk songs—including melody, theme, and lyrics—and
investigates their transmission in contemporary times. The findings reveal that
while these songs stem from a common cultural background, they exhibit distinct
regional traits in their expression and social roles. For instance, the Huiyang
Jiege is noted for its simple structure, whereas the Ruhu Fishing Song and
Huidong Fishermen's Songs focus more on emotional expression and social
interaction. The study advocates for enhanced local government support and
collaborative research initiatives with universities. Additionally, it suggests
leveraging modern media technologies to promote and preserve these folk songs
as vital cultural assets. By thoroughly analyzing these locally distinctive
folk songs, this research contributes to the academic field of ethnomusicology
and offers valuable insights into the preservation and perpetuation of regional
culture.
