Folklorist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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folklorist
[หfoสkหlษrษชst ]
Definition
cultural studies
A folklorist is a scholar who studies folklore, which encompasses the traditions, customs, myths, and stories of a particular culture or community. They often document and analyze oral histories, folk tales, music, and rituals, contributing to our understanding of cultural heritage.
Synonyms
cultural historian, ethnographer, folklore scholar.
Examples of usage
- The folklorist recorded the village's traditional songs.
- As a folklorist, he published numerous studies on regional legends.
- The seminar featured a renowned folklorist discussing folk rituals.
Translations
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Origin of 'folklorist'
The term 'folklorist' emerged in the 19th century, deriving from 'folklore,' a compound of 'folk' (the people) and 'lore' (knowledge or traditions). The concept of folklore gained prominence during this period as scholars began to systematically collect and study the events and narratives that defined various cultures, especially in the wake of the Romantic movement which valued national heritage and traditions. 'Folklorist' specifically refers to individuals dedicated to academic exploration within this field, often involving fieldwork and ethnographic methods. The evolution of this term reflects growing interest in preserving and valuing local knowledge and traditions, particularly in the context of rapid industrialization and globalization, which threatened unique cultural identities. Thus, folklorists play an essential role in documenting and celebrating diverse cultural expressions across the globe.