Dungan Folktales and Legends

Dungan Folktales and Legends is a unique anthology that presents English-speaking readers with the rich and captivating folk stories of the Dungans, Chinese-speaking Muslims who fled Northwest China for Russian Central Asia after the failure of the Dungan Revolt (1862–1877). The collection features translations of oral narratives collected in the former Soviet Central Asian republics of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan in the twentieth century and is the most comprehensive collection of Dungan folk narratives available in English. The book will be of interest to general readers, students, and scholars of folklore, ethnography, anthropology, comparative literature, Chinese studies, and Central Asian studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 426 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2021
Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing Inc

Dungan Folktales and Legends is a remarkable anthology that introduces English-speaking readers to the rich and captivating folk stories of the Dungans, a Chinese-speaking Muslim community that fled Northwest China for Russian Central Asia after the failure of the Dungan Revolt (1862–1877) against the Qing dynasty. This comprehensive collection, the most comprehensive of its kind available in English, features translations of oral narratives collected in the former Soviet Central Asian republics of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan in the twentieth century and originally published in Dunganskie narodnye skazki i predaniia (1977). Edited by the internationally renowned Russian sinologist Boris L. Riftin and compiled by his prominent Dungan colleagues Makhmud A. Khasanov and Ilʹias I. Iusupov, this volume showcases the vibrant and fascinating tapestry of Chinese, Islamic, and various Central Asian cultural elements that comprise the Dungan folk narrative tradition.

The present volume consists of a chapter introducing the Dungan tale and three chapters containing 78 folk stories, categorized into wonder tales and animal tales, novelistic tales, folk anecdotes, and adventure stories, as well as legends, historical tales, and narratives. Additionally, the book includes appendixes, a glossary, an index, the original notes to the texts, and translators' notes tailored for an English-reading audience. This volume appeals to a wide range of readers, including general enthusiasts, students, and scholars of folklore, ethnography, anthropology, comparative literature, Chinese studies, and Central Asian studies.

When the Russian-language edition of Dungan Folktales and Legends was first published in 1977, it made a substantial contribution to comparative folklore studies. The book, based on several decades of field research, provides a wealth of insights into the oral traditions and cultural practices of the Dungan community. It sheds light on their history, beliefs, and customs, and offers valuable perspectives on the interactions between different ethnic groups and cultures in Central Asia.

The translations in this volume are meticulous and faithful to the original narratives, capturing the essence of the Dungans' storytelling style and the rich cultural heritage they possess. The book's introduction provides a comprehensive overview of the Dungan tale and its significance within the broader context of Central Asian folklore. The three chapters that follow present the folk stories in a clear and organized manner, each with its own theme and narrative structure.

Wonder tales and animal tales, for instance, feature stories about magical creatures, supernatural powers, and heroic quests. Novelistic tales, folk anecdotes, and adventure stories delve into the lives of ordinary people, their struggles, and their triumphs. Legends, historical tales, and narratives explore the rich tapestry of the Dungans' cultural heritage, including their myths, legends, and historical events.

The appendixes in the book provide additional information and context for the folk stories, including a glossary of cultural terms, a timeline of significant events in Dungan history, and an index of the folk stories by theme and narrative structure. The original notes to the texts and translators' notes further enhance the reader's understanding of the cultural and historical background of the Dungan community and the significance of their folk narratives.

In conclusion, Dungan Folktales and Legends is a remarkable anthology that offers a captivating glimpse into the rich and diverse folk stories of the Dungans. Through its comprehensive collection of oral narratives, this volume provides a valuable contribution to comparative folklore studies and sheds light on the cultural heritage of Central Asia. It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the world of folktales and the diverse communities that inhabit it.

Weight: 693g
Dimension: 225 x 150 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433187612
Edition number: New ed