राष्ट्रिय पहिचानलाई आकार दिन लोकगीतको भूमिका: नेपाली लोककथा र तिनीहरूको सांस्कृतिक महत्वको अध्ययन

The Role of Folklore in Shaping National Identity: A Study of Nepali Folk Tales and Their Cultural Significance

Pillar of Nepali , Lok songs 

Introduction:

Folklore plays a pivotal role in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage, serving as a repository of a community’s values, beliefs, and historical experiences. In Nepal, folk tales have been passed down through generations, reflecting the nation’s diverse cultural landscape and contributing to the construction of a shared national identity. This research proposal aims to explore the role of Nepali folk tales in shaping national identity, examining how these narratives reflect the cultural, social, and moral values of different ethnic groups within Nepal. The study will investigate the ways in which folklore serves as a tool for cultural continuity and national cohesion, particularly in a multicultural society like Nepal.

Statement of the Problem:

Despite the rich tradition of folk tales in Nepal, there has been limited scholarly attention to their role in shaping national identity. Many studies have focused on the preservation and analysis of individual folk tales, but there is a need to examine the broader impact of these narratives on the collective identity of the Nepali people. This research seeks to address the following problem: How do Nepali folk tales contribute to the construction of national identity, and what cultural values and historical experiences are embedded within these narratives? The study will also explore how the transmission of folk tales in the modern era influences the preservation of cultural heritage and the reinforcement of national identity.

Research Questions:

How do Nepali folk tales reflect the cultural, social, and moral values of different ethnic groups within Nepal?

In what ways do these folk tales contribute to the construction and reinforcement of national identity in Nepal?

How has the transmission of folk tales evolved over time, and what impact does this have on their role in shaping national identity?

What are the key themes and motifs in Nepali folk tales, and how do they relate to the nation’s historical experiences and cultural diversity?

How do folk tales function as a tool for cultural continuity and national cohesion in a multicultural society?

Methodology:

This research will employ a qualitative approach, combining textual analysis of selected Nepali folk tales with interviews and fieldwork to explore their cultural significance. The methodology will consist of the following steps:

Literature Review: A thorough review of existing literature on Nepali folklore, national identity, and cultural studies will be conducted. This review will help contextualize the study within the broader field of folklore studies and provide a foundation for analyzing the role of folk tales in shaping national identity.

Selection of Folk Tales: A representative sample of Nepali folk tales from different regions and ethnic groups will be selected for analysis. The selection will include tales that are widely recognized and have been transmitted across generations, as well as lesser-known stories that reflect the diversity of Nepal’s cultural heritage.

Textual Analysis: The primary method of analysis will involve close reading of the selected folk tales, focusing on their themes, motifs, and narrative structures. Attention will be given to how these elements reflect the cultural values and historical experiences of the communities from which the tales originate.

Fieldwork and Interviews: To gain a deeper understanding of the contemporary significance of Nepali folk tales, interviews will be conducted with cultural practitioners, storytellers, and members of different ethnic communities. These interviews will explore how folk tales are transmitted and interpreted in the modern era and their role in maintaining cultural heritage and national identity.

Comparative Analysis: The findings from the textual analysis and fieldwork will be compared with similar studies of folklore in other multicultural societies. This comparative analysis will help to highlight the unique aspects of Nepali folk tales and their contribution to national identity formation.

Conclusion and Implications: The research will conclude by synthesizing the findings and discussing their implications for understanding the role of folklore in shaping national identity. The conclusion will also consider the challenges and opportunities for preserving and promoting Nepali folk tales in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.

Expected Outcomes:

This research is expected to provide new insights into the role of Nepali folk tales in shaping national identity and preserving cultural heritage. By analyzing the cultural significance of these narratives, the study will contribute to a deeper understanding of how folklore functions as a tool for national cohesion and cultural continuity in a multicultural society. The research will also offer recommendations for the preservation and promotion of Nepali folk tales in the modern era, ensuring that these important cultural resources continue to play a vital role in the nation’s identity.

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