Ethnomusicological Insights into the Sociocultural Dynamics of Folk Songs in Southern Shaanxi, China

Abstract

This study investigates the musical characteristics and development of Zhenba and Ziyang folk songs in Southern Shaanxi. Through literature review and field research, we identified four folk song genres— shange, haozi, xiaodiao , and custom songs—primarily based on pentatonic scales. The melodies predominantly feature small intervallic leaps—typically thirds and fourths—creating a smooth melodic flow. Occasional large leaps of six-, seven-, and eight-degree intervals are used as embellishments, which is a feature more commonly associated with Northern Chinese music. Additionally, the songs exhibit rich variations in rhythm, intonation, lyrics, and thematic content, which is emblematic of their multicultural nature. The songs have been preserved over time through oral transmission. In modern society, there has been a more systematic focus on preservation, as evidenced by the frequent organization of performances and cultural exchange activities driven by government authorities.

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