folkloretutkimukseen

Folkloretutkimus, often translated as folklore studies or folkloristics, is an academic discipline dedicated to the study of folklore. Folklore encompasses a wide range of traditional beliefs, customs, and stories that are passed down through generations within a culture or group. This includes oral traditions such as myths, legends, folktales, proverbs, and riddles, as well as material culture like crafts, clothing, and architecture, and customary practices such as festivals, rituals, and social games.

The field of folkloretutkimus investigates the creation, transmission, and transformation of these traditional expressions. Scholars in this discipline analyze the content, form, and function of folklore, seeking to understand its cultural significance, social roles, and historical development. Methodologies employed in folkloretutkimus often involve fieldwork, including interviews and participant observation, as well as archival research and comparative analysis.

Folklore studies draws on theoretical frameworks from various disciplines, including anthropology, sociology, history, literature, and psychology. It aims to illuminate the shared understandings, values, and worldview of different communities, and to explore how these are expressed and maintained through traditional cultural forms. The discipline is concerned with both the artistic and communicative aspects of folklore, as well as its role in identity formation, social cohesion, and cultural change.