Folklorística

Folklorística is the academic study of folklore. It encompasses the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community, passed down through generations. This field examines various forms of folklore, including myths, legends, folktales, proverbs, jokes, riddles, songs, dances, and material culture such as crafts and architecture.

The discipline seeks to understand the role of folklore in society, its transmission mechanisms, and its evolution over time. Folklorists often employ methods such as fieldwork, archival research, and comparative analysis. They explore how folklore reflects and shapes cultural identity, social structures, and individual experiences.

Key areas of study within folklorística include the definition and categorization of folklore genres, the analysis of narrative structures, the exploration of performance contexts, and the investigation of the relationship between folklore and power. It is an interdisciplinary field, drawing on insights from anthropology, sociology, linguistics, history, and literary studies. The term itself, "folklorística," is of Slavic origin and is commonly used in Central and Eastern European academic circles.