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THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF STUDYING THE PRESERVATION AND
PROTECTION OF INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE IN UZBEKISTAN
Davlatova Saodat Tilovberdiyevna
Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor,
Senior Researcher of the Research Institute of Cultural
Studies and Intangible Cultural Heritage under the
Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan
ABSTRACT:
Uzbek ethnofolklore represents a crucial element of the nation’s cultural heritage,
encompassing oral traditions, rituals, and artistic expressions passed down through generations.
This study explores the methods used to collect and research ethnofolklore materials,
emphasizing fieldwork, linguistic analysis, and digital preservation techniques. The paper
highlights challenges such as authenticity, globalization, and generational transmission while
discussing solutions like interdisciplinary approaches, institutional support, and technological
advancements. By integrating traditional and modern methodologies, researchers can ensure the
sustainability of Uzbek folklore, preserving its cultural and historical significance for future
generations.
Keywords:
Uzbek ethnofolklore, oral traditions, folklore research, preservation, digital
archiving, linguistic analysis.
Uzbek ethnofolklore represents a vast and invaluable cultural treasure that encapsulates the
nation’s oral traditions, customs, rituals, myths, and artistic expressions. It serves as a vital link
between past and present, preserving the collective memory of the Uzbek people and reflecting
their historical evolution, worldviews, and social structures. The study of ethnofolklore is crucial
not only for safeguarding this rich heritage but also for understanding the intricate relationship
between folklore and national identity. However, the process of collecting and researching
ethnofolklore materials presents various methodological challenges, requiring scholars to employ
a range of approaches to ensure authenticity, accuracy, and cultural sensitivity. Since much of
Uzbek folklore has been transmitted orally through generations, it is susceptible to variations and
reinterpretations, making fieldwork an essential component of folklore studies. Researchers must
engage directly with traditional storytellers, musicians, and community elders to document
folklore in its most authentic form, preserving not only the content but also the stylistic and
performative aspects that are integral to its meaning.
The collection of ethnofolklore in Uzbekistan has evolved over time, influenced by historical and
political contexts. During the Soviet era, folklore was often documented and analyzed through
the lens of socialist ideology, which sometimes led to the modification or selective recording of
cultural materials. With Uzbekistan’s independence in 1991, there has been a renewed interest in
rediscovering and preserving folklore in its original form, leading to new methodological
approaches that prioritize ethnographic immersion, linguistic analysis, and comparative studies.
Modern researchers combine traditional fieldwork with technological advancements such as
audio and video recording, digital archiving, and interdisciplinary analysis to ensure that folklore
is not only documented but also made accessible to wider audiences. The methodological
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framework for studying Uzbek ethnofolklore thus involves a careful balance between preserving
oral traditions and adapting research techniques to contemporary academic standards. By
examining the methods of collecting and researching ethnofolklore materials, this paper aims to
highlight the significance of folklore in shaping cultural consciousness and explore effective
strategies for its preservation and scholarly interpretation.
The collection and study of Uzbek ethnofolklore require a thorough and systematic approach, as
folklore is not merely a collection of tales and traditions but an essential component of cultural
identity and historical consciousness. Researchers working in this field must first define their
objectives, identifying whether they seek to document oral narratives, ritual practices, musical
traditions, or other forms of folklore. One of the primary methods of collecting folkloric material
is fieldwork, which involves direct engagement with the bearers of tradition. This typically
includes interviews with elderly members of the community, traditional storytellers, poets, and
artisans who have inherited and preserved cultural knowledge through generations. These
individuals are often regarded as the custodians of oral tradition, ensuring that myths, legends,
proverbs, and epics remain an active part of Uzbek heritage. Researchers must approach
fieldwork with cultural sensitivity, recognizing that folklore is deeply intertwined with social
norms, religious beliefs, and historical experiences. To ensure accurate and comprehensive
documentation, ethnographers employ participant observation, recording performances, and
conducting structured or semi-structured interviews to capture the nuances of folklore in its
natural setting. Since oral traditions are often dynamic and context-dependent, researchers must
also take into account variations in storytelling styles, linguistic differences across regions, and
the influence of historical events on folkloric content.
One of the challenges in collecting Uzbek ethnofolklore is the issue of authenticity and reliability.
Because folklore is transmitted orally, it is subject to changes over time, influenced by individual
interpretation, memory, and social evolution. To address this, researchers often employ
comparative analysis, cross-referencing collected materials with previously documented folklore
from historical sources, archives, and literary works. This method helps in identifying core
motifs, recurring themes, and structural patterns within Uzbek folklore, allowing scholars to
distinguish between original narratives and later modifications. Additionally, linguistic analysis
plays a crucial role in understanding the evolution of folklore. Many Uzbek oral traditions
incorporate archaic words, dialectal variations, and poetic structures that provide insights into the
historical development of the Uzbek language. By analyzing linguistic elements within folk
narratives, researchers can trace connections between ancient Turkic, Persian, and Arabic
influences that have shaped the Uzbek linguistic and cultural landscape. Furthermore,
interdisciplinary approaches that combine folklore studies with anthropology, history, and
sociology offer a deeper understanding of how folklore functions within society. For example,
analyzing wedding songs, mourning rituals, or seasonal celebrations provides valuable
information about Uzbek customs, social hierarchies, and belief systems, enriching the overall
study of folklore.
Modern technology has significantly transformed the methods of collecting and researching
Uzbek ethnofolklore. In the past, folklore was primarily recorded through handwritten
transcriptions and printed anthologies, which often posed challenges in preserving the
performative and musical aspects of oral traditions. Today, advancements in digital recording,
audiovisual documentation, and online databases have revolutionized folklore studies, allowing
researchers to capture and store folklore in more dynamic formats. High-quality video recordings
of traditional performances, digital repositories of folk music, and interactive online platforms
have made it easier to preserve and share Uzbek folklore with broader audiences. Additionally,
artificial intelligence and computational linguistics have introduced new possibilities for
analyzing large collections of folkloric texts, enabling scholars to identify linguistic patterns,
thematic connections, and regional variations with greater accuracy. Despite these advancements,
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ethical considerations remain paramount in folklore research. Scholars must obtain informed
consent from folklore bearers, ensuring that their contributions are acknowledged and respected.
Furthermore, as folklore becomes more accessible through digital platforms, there is an ongoing
debate about the potential commercialization and appropriation of traditional knowledge.
Researchers must therefore advocate for ethical and culturally responsible dissemination of
folklore, ensuring that it remains a shared heritage rather than a commodified resource.
Despite the various methods and strategies employed in the study of Uzbek ethnofolklore, there
are still pressing issues that require attention. One of the key concerns is the gradual
disappearance of certain folklore traditions due to the declining number of traditional
practitioners. Many skilled storytellers, musicians, and folk artists are aging, and without proper
documentation and transmission to younger generations, these traditions risk being lost. Another
challenge is the influence of mass media and global pop culture, which have reshaped cultural
preferences and consumption habits, leading to the marginalization of traditional folklore. To
address these concerns, collaboration between scholars, local communities, and policymakers is
essential in creating sustainable preservation programs that emphasize both documentation and
active cultural participation. The role of cultural tourism also presents opportunities for folklore
preservation, as traditional performances, crafts, and storytelling sessions can be integrated into
tourism experiences, generating economic incentives for practitioners while raising awareness
about Uzbek folklore. However, careful management is required to prevent commercialization
from distorting or oversimplifying authentic traditions.
In conclusion, the collection and research of Uzbek ethnofolklore involve a complex interplay of
traditional fieldwork, comparative analysis, linguistic studies, technological innovations, and
institutional support. While significant progress has been made in documenting and preserving
folklore, challenges such as authenticity, ethical considerations, generational transmission, and
the impact of globalization continue to shape the field. By embracing a multidisciplinary
approach and fostering collaboration between researchers, cultural institutions, and local
communities, Uzbekistan can ensure the longevity and relevance of its rich folkloric traditions.
As the country navigates the challenges of modernization, a balanced approach that respects
tradition while embracing innovation will be key to safeguarding Uzbek ethnofolklore for future
generations.
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The singer of tales
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https://ich.unesco.org/en/convention
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