International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue III, March 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186

Bangladeshi Folk Songs: A ‘Nation-Thing’

^{Rumana Chowdhury
Assistant Professor, Department of English Language and Literature
Premier University, Chattogram, Bangladesh.}

Abstract: There is no denying the fact that folk music of Bangladesh plays a vital role in representing a diverse cultural hybridization. It is also very closely connected to the emotional phase of the people as it not only stirs emotions but also tells tales of common people. With the accompaniment of the musical instruments, it has a universal appeal. Besides, folk music of Bangladesh is one of the good examples of a ‘Nation-Thing. A ‘Nation-Thing’ is something that belongs to only one particular group or community of people. It represents itself from every aspect of life, art and culture of a nation in front of other countries of the world nationally as well as internationally. Above all, it is connected to a community’s way of life, their traditions and social practices, rituals and myths. In this article my intention is to explore how folk songs play a dynamic role in representing Bangladeshi art and culture in different ways.
Key words: Folk song, memory, emotion, representation, tradition, Bangladesh. Bangladeshi Folk Songs: A ‘Nation-Thing’

I. INTRODUCTION

Bangladesh has very deep traditional music roots. Music in Bangladesh can be divided into three distinct categories -classical, folk and modern. Among them, Bangladesh has a rich folk music which includes religious, secular and patriotic songs. Folk music is a type of ancient music which springs from the heart of a group of local people, based on their common and natural style of expression and uninfluenced by the rules of conventional music and contemporary songs. Any mode or form created by the combination of tune, voice and dance may be described as music. Thus, the combination of folk song, folk dance and folk tune is known as folk music.
Characteristics
Folk songs may be categorized into seven types; such as love, custom, philosophy of life and dedication, labor, occupation, humor and satire, and finally miscellaneous. Based on these types, folk music has some common characteristics. It is composed by pastoral common people on the foundation of ancient rules. These ancient rules of music have not been influenced by classical or modern music. It is conducted verbally either in groups or individually. Generally, it is composed and performed by illiterate or semi-literate people. Folk music is an impulsive expression with easy and native language, simple tune and natural rhythms. Both words and tune are very much pleasing. It depends upon nature and rustic atmosphere. Above all, folk music is a clear emotional expression of human love and separation, joys and sorrows of daily life. This emotion is expressed basically in the folk songs where lyric and tune use to describe the memory of the