Email:  Sijin.Chen(at)b-tu.de

Dissertation Title:

“The Role of Music as Intangible Cultural Heritage in Maintenance of Ethnicity: Case Study of the Art of Xinjiang Uyghur Muqam in China” (working title)

Supervisors: Prof. Christer Petersen, Prof. Marie-Theres Albert

Description:

Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) as a representative part of national cultural heritage is of particular significance for the reconstruction and maintenance of national cultural identity in the context of a dynamic society. The research examines the function of music as ICH that provides cultural space for identity creation and maintenance and explores corresponding actions taken for sustainable development of the ICH, by analysing the case of Uyghur Muqam practices in Xinjiang over the last 60 years. The aim is to shed lights on strategies for utilization of ICH in the future development of relevant stakeholders.

Short bio:

Sijin CHEN studied piano and musicology at Xinjiang Arts University, China for a Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Master’s degree in piano pedagogue and musicology at Capital Normal University, China. Since 2014 she became a PhD candidate at the IGS Heritage Studies at Brandenburg University of Technology. Her research area lies in intangible heritage with the focus on music culture studies.