Oral Traditions, Continuities and Transformations in Northeast India and Beyond

Northeast India is home to many distinct communities with a rich cultural heritage. This book explores the shared cultural heritage among these communities and mainland South East Asia through oral traditions. It examines how communities build new meanings from old traditions, the role of oral traditions in different socio-economic contexts, and how they interact with the digital world. The volume is useful for scholars and researchers in various fields.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Northeast India is a vibrant tapestry of diverse communities, boasting an incredible array of ethnic, religious, and linguistic traditions. This captivating book delves into the shared cultural heritage that unites the highland and river valley communities of Northeast India with mainland South East Asia, including South China. Through the lens of oral traditions, it explores the intricate tapestry of shared cultural practices, offering fresh perspectives on understanding and interpreting the rich heritage of Northeast India.

Oral traditions hold a unique power to unveil unexpected twists in our understanding of historical and cultural connections. This volume employs local knowledge and innovative approaches to engage with oral traditions across various domains, from folklore and language to performative traditions. It uncovers the rich tapestry of narratives, myths, and legends that have been passed down through generations, providing a deeper insight into the cultural fabric of the region.

The essays in this volume shed light on the dynamic process by which communities forge new meanings from ancient traditions. They explore the delicate balance between conserving heritage and embracing creativity, as well as the interplay between individual interpretation and social consensus. These essays offer insightful parallels regarding the behavior of oral traditions in diverse socio-economic contexts and examine how oral traditions interact with the ever-increasing penetration of digital technologies in remote areas.

This volume is a valuable resource for scholars and researchers interested in Northeast India, sociology, sociology of culture, cultural studies, ethnic studies, anthropology, folkloristics, and political sociology. It offers a comprehensive examination of the shared cultural heritage, providing a rich tapestry of insights that will deepen our understanding of this fascinating region.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367695927