folk

Folk is a term with several related meanings in culture and language. As a noun, it denotes people in general or a specific community, often contrasted with elites or official institutions. As an adjective, it appears in phrases such as folk music, folk dance, and folk culture to describe traditions associated with ordinary people. The word comes from Old English folc, meaning people or nation, and is cognate with the German Volk.

Folk music refers to traditional songs and instrumental pieces transmitted orally within communities rather than composed by trained musicians. It emphasizes storytelling, communal participation, and modest, acoustic instrumentation. Folk music has historically served social and ceremonial functions and has been the subject of revival movements and ethnographic study aimed at recording regional repertoires and preserving oral heritage.

Folklore is the study of traditional beliefs, stories, customs, and practices of a culture. Folklorists collect folktales, legends, proverbs, rituals, and crafts to understand how communities explain the world, transmit norms, and maintain continuity across generations. Fieldwork, transcription, and archiving are common methods; folklore is related to ethnology and ethnomusicology and contributes to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage.

Beyond music and narrative, "folk" describes everyday life and popular culture in many regions. The term can be contested or nuanced, reflecting social change, globalization, and cultural exchange. Contemporary usage often blends traditional forms with new media, producing modern folk movements that connect people with their past while addressing present concerns.