Language, cultural identity, and spirituality —a case study of the representation of minority ethnic subjects in Chinese ethnographic documentary
Language, cultural identity, and spirituality —a case study of the representation of minority ethnic subjects in Chinese ethnographic documentary
Since the 1990s, there has been a surge in ethnographic films by Han directors in China, highlighting the complex interplay of power dynamics between these filmmakers and the minority communities they portray. This study examines these dynamics through the lens of spirituality and cultural representation, focusing on the film “Ashiq: The Last Troubadour.” A case study and interviews with the director, Liu Xiangchen, reveal an essentialist portrayal of the Uygur Ashiq that emphasises their spiritual and cultural identity on Uighur language chant, inadvertently reinforcing Han dominance. The analysis suggests that while the director's intentions reflect a critical self-awareness, the film perpetuates the marginalisation of the Ashiq. We argue that ethnographic cinema should offer a more nuanced depiction of ethnic minorities and their minority language to challenge social injustices further and promote inclusivity in China's diverse linguistic and cultural landscape.
Chinese ethnographic filmmaking, cultural identity, minority language
Tang, Ruohan
6812b264-c448-483a-b0b3-f9f991aa73d4
Zou, Yi
77d41b6a-1c14-4c78-bcf1-8628097c6dc7
14 October 2024
Tang, Ruohan
6812b264-c448-483a-b0b3-f9f991aa73d4
Zou, Yi
77d41b6a-1c14-4c78-bcf1-8628097c6dc7
Tang, Ruohan and Zou, Yi
(2024)
Language, cultural identity, and spirituality —a case study of the representation of minority ethnic subjects in Chinese ethnographic documentary.
Studies in Ethnicity and Nationalism.
(doi:10.1111/sena.12447).
Abstract
Since the 1990s, there has been a surge in ethnographic films by Han directors in China, highlighting the complex interplay of power dynamics between these filmmakers and the minority communities they portray. This study examines these dynamics through the lens of spirituality and cultural representation, focusing on the film “Ashiq: The Last Troubadour.” A case study and interviews with the director, Liu Xiangchen, reveal an essentialist portrayal of the Uygur Ashiq that emphasises their spiritual and cultural identity on Uighur language chant, inadvertently reinforcing Han dominance. The analysis suggests that while the director's intentions reflect a critical self-awareness, the film perpetuates the marginalisation of the Ashiq. We argue that ethnographic cinema should offer a more nuanced depiction of ethnic minorities and their minority language to challenge social injustices further and promote inclusivity in China's diverse linguistic and cultural landscape.
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Studies Ethnicity National - 2024 - Tang - Language Cultural Identity and Spirituality A Case Study of the
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Accepted/In Press date: 23 September 2024
Published date: 14 October 2024
Keywords:
Chinese ethnographic filmmaking, cultural identity, minority language
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Local EPrints ID: 495634
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/495634
ISSN: 1473-8481
PURE UUID: ca004db7-fe6a-4c87-aa8d-7d6b096cea5a
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Date deposited: 19 Nov 2024 17:51
Last modified: 20 Nov 2024 03:06
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Author:
Ruohan Tang
Author:
Yi Zou
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