folkloristici

Folkloristici is an Italian term that denotes matters related to folklore or to the scholarly study of folklore. The word can describe both the content of traditional culture—such as narratives, music, rituals, and crafts—and the field of folkloristics, the academic discipline dedicated to its analysis.

In practice, folkloristici encompasses myths, legends, fairy tales, proverbs, folk songs, dances, and other forms of traditional knowledge transmitted orally or through material culture within a community. The material varies by region and social group and tends to evolve while preserving core motifs and meanings. Folkloristic study also considers how these forms express social values, identity, memory, and continuity across generations.

Scholarly methods in folkloristics include fieldwork, documentary recording, transcription of oral performances, and the collection of texts. Analysts use comparative techniques, motif indexing, and ethnographic context to understand genre, function, and transmission. The work often intersects with ethnology, anthropology, philology, and cultural history.

Historically, folkloristics developed in Europe during the 19th and 20th centuries, with Italian scholars contributing to the broader tradition of collecting and interpreting traditional material. Contemporary approaches emphasize ethical engagement with communities and the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage.

Today, studying folkloristici supports the preservation of traditional knowledge, reinforces cultural identity, and informs museums, education, and cultural policy. Digital archives and collaborative ethnography have broadened access and modernized methods for documenting and sharing these traditions.