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Maria Andrea Jane B. Aranas, Bicol University, PhilippinesAbstract
This study is a descriptive ethno-literary research on the study of folksongs transmitted orally through generations. Ethnographic methods of data collection and Russian formalism informed the structural and textual analysis of these folksongs. The study aims to analyze the various types of existing folksongs of Ligao City, which were initially recited or sung in Bicol and performed by key informants. Specifically, it attempts to examine form and content; to deduce themes, beliefs, traits, values, cultural practices, and traditions; and to determine which folkways are still practiced, on the verge of extinction, or discarded. Findings reveal that Bicol folksongs have a relatively strong sense of form. However, this sense of creating patterns of sound exhibits an inherent and keen sense for sound rather than a conscious creation of end sounds or rhythmic patterns. Most often, the result is a loose rhyme structure and a unique rhythmic pattern that does not conform to traditional metered poetry, or if it does, only very rarely. Folksongs are also rich in images from the use of figures of speech like metaphor, apostrophe, and the like. Utilizing comparisons also leads to symbols and images from an observant use of sights and sounds from everyday life. These folksongs reveal both literary and cultural artifacts—from the use of poetic devices in both their form and content, as well as Bikol beliefs, values, and traits. Some are still strongly adhered to, but with a few, slowly slipping away with the passage of time.
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Conference: BAMC2025Stream: Challenging & Preserving: Culture
This paper is part of the BAMC2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Aranas M. (2025) Melodies of Memory: Exploring Culture and Tradition Through Local Folksongs ISSN: 2435-9475 – The Barcelona Conference on Arts, Media & Culture 2025: Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 261-277) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2435-9475.2025.24
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2435-9475.2025.24
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