Sociological perspectives on the transmission of intangible cultural heritage: Challenges and strategies for Shanwei Yuge in the modern era

Xiuwen Qin, Narongruch Woramitmaitree and Sanchai Duangbung

African Educational Research Journal
Published: March 10 2026
Volume 14, Issue 1
Pages 184-191
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18937826

Abstract

This study investigates the critical sociological transformation of Shanwei Yuge, a traditional maritime vocal art of the Danjia people, during the decade following its 2014 recognition as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The study was initiated due to the swift degradation of the song's natural transmission medium, the fishing boat, resulting from the irreversible transition from maritime labor to terrestrial urban existence. To address this, a descriptive qualitative study was conducted in Shanwei City, Guangdong Province, utilizing purposive sampling of five key informants, including national-level inheritors and music educators. Data were collected through field investigations, semi-structured interviews, and a comprehensive document review of policies from 2014 to 2025. Analysis reveals a widening successor gap, with 80% of practitioners aged over 60, alongside a profound decontextualization of the repertoire as the Danjia clan assimilates into modern society. However, the findings identify a successful strategic pivot toward institutionalized transmission, in which the cradle of heritage has shifted from the sea to the classroom. This study shows that government support has led to the findings identify two primary strategic pillars: the Archival Pathway for documentation and the Vitalization Pathway for educational and public integration. These findings are important for policymakers and educators, as they provide a plan to help maritime heritage survive in a globalized world by shifting its role from a mere work tool to an important part of local identity and educational pride.

Keywords: Shanwei Yuge, Danjia culture, intangible cultural heritage, sociological transmission, maritime folk music.

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