SALAR VOCAL FOLK MUSIC AND ISLAMIC INFLUENCE IN QINGHAI PROVINCE, CHINA

Abstract

This study explores the intricate relationship between Salar vocal folk music and the Islamic faith, focusing on the Salar community in Qinghai Province, China. This research aims to examine how Islamic religious practices have shaped Salar vocal folk music and identify the challenges to its preservation. Data were collected through a qualitative methodology, including ethnographic fieldwork and interviews with three key informants: religious leaders, cultural inheritors, and folk musicians. The findings reveal that Salar vocal folk music serves as a medium for religious devotion, moral instruction, and communal bonding. However, the study also highlights significant challenges, such as modernization and the disengagement of younger generations from traditional practices. The implications for research and practice include the need for increased formalized education programs, government support, and community-based initiatives aimed at preserving Salar music. Digital preservation efforts, such as archiving traditional songs, are recommended as an additional measure to safeguard this cultural heritage. The study is limited by its focus on a specific region and small sample size. Future research should explore how modern technology and media can be leveraged to engage younger audiences in traditional music practices. Preserving this unique musical tradition is essential for maintaining the Salar people’s cultural and religious identity in the face of globalization.