Folk music in the cultural and religious life of Katu ethnic group in Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam: A functionalist approach

Abstract

The Katu ethnic group in Thua Thien Hue province lives mainly in Nam Dong and A Luoi districts. Katu people take great pride in their vivacious unique folk music, including a variety of music forms and a diversity of traditional musical instruments. Folk music is featured significantly in every aspect of their cultural life. Apparently, musical imprint is evident in all cultural practices and activities. Based on functionalist approach and ethnographic research method, this study shows that folk music plays an important role in Katu people’s culture and religion as it has ultimately been a qintessential part of most Katu people’s spiritual life from birth until death. Researching, preserving and promoting folk music of Katu ethnic group in central Vietnam in particular, will contribute tremendously to the contemporary conservation of the people’s vibrant indigenous culture imbued with unique identity.