Preserving Zhuang folk songs through education and community transmission in Xincheng County, Guangxi, China

Yuanzhu Fan, Weerayut Seekhunlio and Warakorn Seeyo

African Educational Research Journal
Published: October 2 2026
Volume 14, Issue 3
Pages 812-823
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23104936

Abstract

This study examined the preservation and transmission of Zhuang folk songs in Xincheng County, Guangxi, China, with particular emphasis on the complementary roles of education and community transmission. The study employed a qualitative research design grounded in ethnomusicology. Data were collected from 10 purposively selected key informants through semi-structured interviews, field observation, document analysis, and audiovisual documentation. The findings revealed three interconnected dimensions of preservation. First, emergency preservation involved collecting and collating ancient songbooks, transcribing and translating traditional materials, digitising and archiving them, and protecting institutional heritage. Second, living transmission was sustained through school-based education, community and rural participation, and intergenerational mentorship. Schools provided structured learning in repertoire, language, cultural knowledge, and singing skills, while communities offered authentic performance contexts in which learners could observe, participate, improvise, and understand the cultural meanings of the songs. Third, contemporary integration and innovation included creating new folk songs, cultural tourism, interdisciplinary artistic cooperation, and online–offline communication. These practices expanded opportunities for younger generations and wider audiences to engage with Zhuang folk songs while retaining core musical and cultural characteristics. The study concludes that sustainable preservation depends on a complementary process of school learning, community participation, intergenerational mentorship, and continued cultural practice. This integrated approach provides a culturally grounded model for maintaining Zhuang folk songs as living heritage amid ongoing social and cultural change.

Keywords: Zhuang folk songs, music education, community transmission, intangible cultural heritage, Xincheng County, Guangxi.

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