Cultural diversity is the essence of India’s identity. Each culture draws its strength from its tradition and yet flourishes when it comes into contact with others. The Khasi have a long history of traditions and there is a great deal to learn from its tangible and intangible heritage. Tangible heritage includes handicraft (bamboo, grass and wood), weaving, art etc. These instruments are employed not only to fulfill one’s daily requirements but to add beauty and brightness in the otherwise dull and drab existence. They have been a cementing force in our social and economic life. Art was never meant for the privileged few but has instead, been a connecting thread and a medium of connection for the masses. The intangible heritage includes the oral traditions which have been transmitting the flow of knowledge in the various aspects of history, philosophy, technical skill. It cuts across the discipline of dance and music as well as of informal social practices. Folktales, jokes, proverbs, anecdotes, myths, legends are various forms of narratives, passed on orally, from one generation to another. These narratives are performed in an open area, accompanied with music. The performers and the audience have a strong relationship in romanticizing the dreams and aspirations of the common man, and thus relieving the society from hypertension and frustration. Also, the mysterious life of our ancestors is brought into light through these narratives.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Cultural Diversity
- Tangible and Intangible Heritage
- Handicraft
- Weaving
- Art
- Oral Traditions
- Threats to Khasi Traditions
- Technological Invasion
- Modernization and Commercialization
- Foreign Tradition Through Mass Media
- Threat from Foreign Languages
- Safeguarding Khasi Traditions
- Language Development
- Khasi Language: A Testimony of Growth
- Inter-linked Words: New Words and Meaning
- Slang: A Cultural Paradigm
- Rice: A Symbol of Khasi Culture
- Borrowed Words: A Linguistic Reality
- The Inter-linked Language of the Old
- Creation Myths: The Story of 'U Lum Sohpet Bneng'
- The Seven Clans
- The Covenant and The Golden Ladder
- The Diminishing Belief
- The Story of 'U Thlen': Serpent Worship and Human Sacrifice
- Serpent Worship: A Cultural Phenomena
- The ‘U Thlen’ and Environmental Degradation
- Folklore: A Study of Narratives and Tangible Items
- Folklore: A Theory of Traditional Narratives
- Folklore: A Living Tradition
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The primary objective of this text is to highlight the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Khasi people in India, focusing on their unique traditions, beliefs, and folklore. The text aims to raise awareness of the challenges facing this heritage, including modernization, commercialization, and the influence of foreign cultures. It also emphasizes the importance of preserving these traditions for future generations. The key themes explored in the text include: * **The Importance of Cultural Diversity:** The text underlines the significance of cultural diversity as a defining feature of India's identity. * **Tangible and Intangible Heritage:** The text examines the diverse forms of tangible and intangible heritage among the Khasi, including their handicrafts, weaving, art, oral traditions, and narratives. * **Threats to Cultural Preservation:** The text analyzes the various threats facing the Khasi traditions, including the impact of modernization, commercialization, and foreign cultural influences. * **Linguistic Evolution and Cultural Expressions:** The text explores the evolution of the Khasi language, including the development of new words and expressions influenced by external factors. * **Folklore and Cultural Identity:** The text highlights the significance of folklore as a tool for understanding the cultural identity and social fabric of the Khasi people.Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
This section explores the cultural heritage of the Khasi people in India, emphasizing their unique traditions, beliefs, and folklore. It also highlights the threats facing this heritage, including modernization, commercialization, and the influence of foreign cultures. The text aims to raise awareness of the importance of preserving these traditions for future generations.The text begins by introducing the concept of cultural diversity as the essence of India's identity, with each culture drawing strength from its traditions while flourishing through contact with others. The Khasi people possess a rich heritage that encompasses both tangible and intangible aspects. Tangible heritage includes handicrafts, weaving, and art, which are not only practical but also add beauty and vibrancy to everyday life. Intangible heritage includes oral traditions that transmit knowledge about history, philosophy, and technical skills. This includes various forms of narratives, such as folktales, jokes, proverbs, and legends, which are passed down orally, accompanied by music. These narratives foster a strong connection between performers and the audience, reflecting the dreams and aspirations of the common man while offering a means of social relief and exploring the mysteries of the past.
However, this rich heritage is under threat from various sources. Modern technological advancements and commercialization are gradually diminishing traditional enterprises like weaving and handloom activities. Foreign traditions are being introduced through mass media and other forms of communication, pushing aside traditional narratives. The influence of foreign languages also poses a threat to the preservation of the Khasi language.
The text underscores the need for collective efforts to safeguard Khasi traditions and culture. It emphasizes the importance of language development, highlighting the dedication of scholars in developing the English language through dictionaries and literary works. The Khasi language, too, has undergone a dynamic evolution, accumulating new words and expressions over time. These new words often reflect cultural shifts and adaptations, highlighting the language's resilience.
One of the most notable examples is the language used by taxi drivers, featuring unique terms like "thi-as" and "long khaw," which reflect the demands of their profession and provide insights into the cultural paradigm and worldview of the Khasi people. The text analyzes these words, highlighting their potential to reveal historical insights and psychological perspectives.
The text also examines the role of creation myths in Khasi culture, focusing on the story of "U Lum Sohpet Bneng," or the Mount of Heaven's Navel. According to this myth, sixteen clans lived in heaven, and God chose seven to descend to earth, becoming the ancestors of the seven sub-tribes of the Khasi people. The story emphasizes the importance of adherence to three core principles: "Ka Tip Briew Tip Blei," "Ka Tip Kur Tip Kha," and "Ka Kamai ia Ka Hok." These principles symbolize the connection between man and God, family relationships, and righteousness. While modernization and religious conversion have led to a diminishing belief in this myth, it still remains a powerful symbol for those who continue to practice the Khasi traditional belief system.
The text then delves into the story of "u thlen," or the serpent, which is an integral part of Khasi culture. The serpent is believed to be worshipped by those seeking wealth and prosperity, but this worship often involved human sacrifice and witchcraft. The text draws parallels to similar practices in other cultures, highlighting the universality of human sacrifice as an offering to deities. It emphasizes the significance of understanding these stories, even if they are considered superstitious, as they are deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the Khasi people.
The text concludes by emphasizing the importance of folklore studies in understanding and preserving Khasi traditions. Folklore materials are a reflection of the intelligence, artistic appreciation, memory, and imagination of a society, and they play a crucial role in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage. It highlights the need for greater emphasis on folklore studies to safeguard the traditions of the past and ensure their survival for future generations.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The text focuses on the cultural heritage of the Khasi people in India, emphasizing their unique traditions, beliefs, and folklore, particularly their oral narratives, the importance of language development, and the impact of modernization and foreign influences on their cultural preservation. The text explores the connection between language, culture, and identity, highlighting the significance of folklore in understanding and preserving cultural heritage. Key terms that encapsulate the core concepts of the text include: cultural diversity, tangible and intangible heritage, modernization, commercialization, foreign influences, language development, folklore, and cultural preservation.
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- Macdonald L. Ryntathiang (Author), 2005, Vanishing Tradition, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/230179
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