Search

A Comparative Study of Intangible Cultural Heritage Nuo Songs Based on Folk Song Linguistic Quantitative Analysis

Author(s)

Bixiao Zhou, Xiaojin Zhang*

Affiliation(s)

School of Foreign Languages, North Minzu University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China *Corresponding Author.

Abstract

The inheritance of intangible cultural heritage is a holistic cultural phenomenon. This study introduces quantitative linguistic methods to study the textual characteristics of Nuo songs in Southwestern Nuo operas. Initially, the frequency distribution of words in Nuo song texts is examined, and the "natural" nature of Nuo songs is verified using Zipf's law. By calculating the numerical value of the h-point on the word frequency curve in Nuo songs, prose, and new poetry texts, as well as the value of the "a-index," one-way ANOVA revealed the connection in lexical richness among the three literary genres. Statistical analysis and clustering results of Nuo songs compared with prose and new poetry indicate certain similarities and differences. The proportion of 2-gram and 3-gram rhyme schemes is used to identify the similarities and differences in rhyming phenomena between Nuo songs and "Hua'er" folk songs and Yuan operas. The study demonstrates that quantitative linguistic research methods are a beneficial approach to discovering the linguistic characteristics of Nuo songs, compensating for the lack of objectivity in qualitative studies of Nuo songs. It also serves as a valuable supplement to the quantitative linguistic analysis of folk songs in intangible cultural heritage, which is conducive to the inheritance and dissemination of Nuo operas.

Keywords

Nuo Songs, Prose, New Poetry, "Hua'er," Yuan Operas, Quantitative Linguistics

References

[1] Tuo X. M., 2001. A Discourse on the Nuo Opera in Southwest China. Journal of Guizhou Ethnic Studies (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition), (2): 3-4. [2] Zhang J. H., 2016. Research on Nuo Ritual Music and Songs. Shanghai University Press: 9787567124523. [3] Liu B. Q., Zhao Y., 2021. A Probe into the Image of Meng Jiangnu in Chenzhou Nuo Opera. Journal of Huaihua University, (4): 3-4. [4] Liao X. L., Wang C. Y., Yang X. J., 2007. On the Inheritance and Development of the Musical Form of Nanfeng Nuo Dance. Journal of East China Institute of Technology (Social Science Edition), (3): 3-4. [5] Zhou H. B., 2003. Refutation of "The Origin of Facial Makeup in Lanling King". Chinese Opera Art, (4): 3-4. [6] Zhu H. F., 2019. On the Ritual Drama and the Mixing of Secular Drama in Yang Opera. Opera Research, (3): 3-4. [7] Liu H. T., 2021. Data-Driven Applied Linguistic Research. Modern Foreign Languages, (4): 3-4. [8] Zhang X. J., Liu H. T., 2017. Quantitative Characteristics of Chinese Folk Songs "Hua'er". Journal of Ningxia University (Humanities and Social Sciences Edition), (5): 3-4. [9] Liu H. T., 2017. Introduction to Quantitative Linguistics. The Commercial Press: 9787100150217. [10] Herman, J. B., Jacobs, A. M., Piper, A., 2021. Computational Stylistics. Digital Humanities, (4): 3-4. [11] Swales, J.M. 2001. Genre Analysis: English in Academic and Research Settings. Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press: 9780521328692. [12] Hou, R.J., Yang, M.H., Jiang, 2014. A study on Chinese quantitative stylistic features and relation among different styles based on text clustering. Journal of Quantitative Linguistics, 21(3). [13] Long Y. J., Li W. W., 2022. Quantitative Linguistic Research on the Language Characteristics of Miao Ancient Songs. In: Huang Wei (Ed.), Quantitative Research on Vocabulary and Syntax. Zhejiang University Press: 9787308226820. [14] Pan X. X., 2018. A Quantitative Stylistic Study of Modern Chinese Poetry and Prose. In: Liu Haitao (Ed.), Advances in Quantitative Linguistics Research. Zhejiang University Press: 9787308180757. [15] Pan X. X., 2015. A Quantitative Study of Modern Chinese Poetry. Zhejiang University. [16] Wu Y. L., 2008. An Overview of Chinese "Hua'er". People's Publishing House: 9787227038849. [17] Popescu, G.K., Altmann, R., Köhler. 2010. Zipf's Law: Another View. Quality and Quantity, 44(4). [18] Zipf, G.K., 1935. The Psychobiology of Language: An Introduction to Dynamic Philology. Houghton-Miflin: 9780262740029 [19] Gao R., 2014. An Analysis of Rhyme in Contemporary Main Melody Song Lyrics. Modern Chinese (Linguistic Research Edition), (11).