1. Introduction
In today's rapidly developing information age, the process of globalization not only accelerates cultural exchange and integration but also brings the risk of cultural homogenization, especially for those ethnic groups with a long history but smaller populations. The Evenki people, a minority ethnic group distributed in the Far East of Russia and Northeast China, face unprecedented challenges to their unique language and cultural traditions. The protection and inheritance of the Evenki language, a core component of their cultural identity, have special significance and urgency. This paper aims to explore the origins and historical evolution of the Evenki language, its literary and cultural value in contemporary society, and how to effectively protect and inherit this precious language resource through modern technological means, especially in the context of the intelligent era.
With the help of linguist Noam Chomsky's theories, we can not only understand the characteristics of the Evenki language from the perspective of syntactic structure but also visually demonstrate how to restore and analyze the grammar and lexical structure of this ancient language through two specific diagrams. Chomsky's pioneering work in the field of linguistics provides us with a powerful tool for scientifically and systematically analyzing and deconstructing the inner logic of the Evenki language, thus offering theoretical support and practical guidance for its protection and inheritance.
In today's era, language is not only a tool for communication but also a carrier for cultural inheritance. Protecting the Evenki language is not just about preserving a language itself but also about safeguarding and inheriting the rich ethnic culture and historical memory of the Evenki people. With the rapid development of information technology, we have more opportunities and means to achieve this goal. The application of intelligent technology, such as the use of artificial intelligence in language learning and digital processing of documentary materials, offers new possibilities for the protection and promotion of the Evenki language. Through these modern technological means, we can more effectively collect, analyze, and share knowledge about the Evenki language, allowing it to transcend the boundaries of time and space and be understood and learned by people around the world.
2. The Evenki Language and Its Ethnic Introduction
Since the ancient era of humanity, our ancestors invented and created language, beginning to learn to speak. A language is not merely for speaking; through its organization and structure, we can understand the intentions of the speakers and the actions they are about to create.
Starting from the evolution of writing, we challenge conventional modes of thinking, thereby expanding into more diversified research approaches to analyze the society and culture of the Evenki. In today’s research on the Evenki people, there are few scholars who summarize and reflect on existing studies from the perspective of linguistics to break through established research paradigms. This paper primarily analyzes how to protect and inherit the Evenki ethnic culture from the linguistic perspective, breaking free from established fixed topics.
The Evenki of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China and the Oroqen of the Northeast region are linguistically classified under the Northern branch of the Manchu-Tungusic languages (Man-Tongus) within the Altaic language family. Their languages are identical in basic vocabulary and grammatical structures, which is a fundamental aspect of their commonality. Overseas, the main distribution of the Evenki language is within Russia, with a user population of about 12,000 people. Moreover, approximately 1,000 people in the Mongolian People's Republic use this language. In terms of vocabulary, the majority consists of native words, although there are loanwords from Mongolian, Chinese, and Russian. However, due to the accelerating process of globalization, the mobility and differentiation of the populations of the Evenki and Oroqen, as well as geographical constraints between their ethnic groups, limit cultural exchanges between them. This limitation makes it challenging to piece together a complete knowledge module from their fragmented languages, increasing the difficulty of researching the Evenki language and limiting the publication of related academic articles.
3. Restoring the Fragmented Evenki Language
The method of language restoration can draw inspiration from the logical thinking of linguist Noam Chomsky: language consists of sentences generated by a finite set of rules, unrestrictedly producing infinite sentences from these finite principles. We can understand the grammar and vocabulary of the Evenki people through books and materials. By employing a limited set of syntactic forms, we can generate and hypothesize an infinite number of sentences, which can be empirically validated through communication with the Evenki people, to understand their speaking habits. Sentences in Chinese characters generally consist of three parts: subject, predicate, and object. By learning and categorizing the sentence structures of the Evenki language and implementing this education in primary and secondary school practical classes, we can foster students' creative thinking abilities and cultural inheritance.
Figure 1. Steps to restore Evenki language
To better realize the process of historical and cultural development, we might utilize collection and management methods to link fragmented language modules and collect the Evenki language, comparing linguistic changes over different periods from a diachronic linguistic perspective. Visiting areas where the Evenki people live, linguists can understand the language habits of Evenki people in different regions through the differences in dialects and the identification of word endings. The collection of texts and books is crucial: historical Evenki texts differ from modern ones. Through collecting materials, we can compile language knowledge books, integrate internet usage, and publish literature from different Evenki regions for mass reading and knowledge dissemination. Language books are precious historical and cultural artifacts of a nation; Evenki cultural artifacts can be categorically stored in national museums, making museums an appropriate medium to convey the language traditions and contemporary social development of the Evenki people. Additionally, collecting clothing and tools used during economic production, accompanied by textual explanations, helps audiences understand the industrial life and exchange patterns of the Evenki people. Artworks related to the Evenki people, including illustrations and audiovisual songs, vividly depict the characteristics of their life, while traditional theatrical performances can incorporate local customs, marriage, and beliefs. The exquisite artistry is beneficial for people to experience cultural edification in an increasingly impetuous society, aiding in the cultivation of a humanistic atmosphere.
Figure 2. Example of protecting Evenki culture
Enhancing cultural exchanges and economic interactions between the two ethnic groups is conducive to the connection and integration of northern ethnic cultures, sparking new cultural insights from the collision of different national cultures. In the current Chinese societal context, new ethnic effects emerge, increasing communication and technological connections between the two places, as well as developing network apps for exchanging their ethnic languages, launching cultural product IPs, and protecting traditional ecological environments. Increasing exchange study and employment opportunities between the two ethnic groups fosters exchanges, not only consolidating foundations but also restoring their original languages and clarifying the reasons for such changes. Understanding the common origins helps better comprehend the Evenki language, its pre-split linguistic rules, and historical changes, providing more research materials for scholars.
In summary, intangible cultural heritage embodies the spiritual values of our great nation and is an important part of the excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation. It is crucial to carry out the inheritance and development of intangible cultural heritage thoroughly, devise scientific plans, take practical measures, intensify the promotion of inheritance and development efforts, and effectively advance the work of intangible cultural heritage to promote the cultural development of the Evenki people. This has significant practical and profound historical implications.
4. Digital Protection of the Evenki Culture
Under the wave of the digital age, the protection and inheritance of Evenki culture face unprecedented opportunities and challenges. The development of digital technology provides new avenues and methods for the preservation of traditional culture, including the establishment of digital archives and online resource platforms, as well as the display of the rich cultural heritage of the Evenki people through virtual museums.
On the one hand, the textual recording of the Evenki language, as a precious cultural heritage, carries the history, wisdom, and lifestyle of the nation. However, with the passage of time and societal changes, this language is at risk of gradually disappearing. Digital recording has become an important means to effectively protect and inherit the Evenki language. Establishing digital archives allows for the systematic collection, organization, and storage of various textual materials, oral histories, and audio recordings of the Evenki language. This includes not only traditional vocabulary, grammatical books, stories, and legends but also language used in daily conversations, songs, and rituals. Digital technology ensures the long-term preservation of these materials while also facilitating research and inquiry by scholars. Using advanced scanning and recording technologies, original documentary materials and oral histories can be preserved in high quality digitally. Moreover, through text recognition and voice transcription technologies, these materials can be converted into electronic text, further increasing their accessibility and convenience of use. Through the internet, these valuable language resources can be shared with the world, aiding academic research and allowing more people to understand and learn this ancient language.
On the other hand, the establishment of virtual museums for Evenki culture offers a unique platform for showcasing and inheriting the Evenki's material and intangible cultural heritage. Compared to traditional museums, virtual museums are not limited by geographical location, attracting visitors globally and increasing the international exposure of Evenki culture. Traditional Evenki clothing, tools, dwellings, and various ceremonies and festival activities can be vividly recreated through 3D modeling and virtual reality technologies. Visitors can explore the Evenki life and culture across time and space through computers or mobile devices. Creating a virtual museum requires interdisciplinary cooperation, including the collective efforts of cultural scholars, technology experts, and art designers. First, a comprehensive survey and recording of the Evenki cultural heritage are needed, including photography of material cultural heritage and video recording of intangible cultural heritage. Then, digital technology is used to process and edit these materials to construct the content and interface of virtual exhibitions. Finally, it is published through online platforms, making the virtual museum accessible to the public. Virtual museums are not only venues for displaying Evenki cultural heritage but also platforms for education and learning. They can be integrated with school education, becoming an important resource for students to understand diverse cultures and intangible cultural heritage. Moreover, virtual museums can host various online events and lectures to promote cultural exchange and dialogue.
Through digital protection, the language and culture of the Evenki people can transcend the limits of time and space, being preserved permanently. The establishment of digital archives and virtual museums not only provides valuable resources for researchers and scholars but also enables a broader public to access and understand this unique culture. In today's world of rapid globalization and information technology development, using digital technology to protect and inherit Evenki culture is not only a respect for the past but also an investment in the future. Through these efforts, we can ensure that the language and cultural heritage of the Evenki people continue to survive and flourish, leaving a precious spiritual wealth for future generations.
5. Enhancing Societal Recognition and Support for Evenki Culture
In the context of globalization and the information age, enhancing public awareness and support for Evenki culture is particularly crucial. This is not only vital for the protection and inheritance of this unique cultural heritage but also significant for promoting mutual understanding and respect among diverse cultures worldwide. Education and media, as important channels of social communication, play indispensable roles in this process.
Incorporating Evenki cultural content into the educational system is foundational for cultivating students' respect and understanding of diverse cultures. By integrating Evenki language, history, art, and lifestyle into school curricula, not only is the students' knowledge base enriched, but their interest and sense of responsibility for protecting national cultural heritage are also ignited. Furthermore, teachers, as key facilitators of knowledge and enlightenment, play a critical role in students' formation of correct cultural perceptions through their deep understanding and accurate conveyance of Evenki culture. Therefore, teacher training becomes a crucial component to ensure the quality of education. Moreover, by organizing various types of campus cultural activities, such as Evenki cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and ethnic music concerts, students' participation and cultural experience can be effectively enhanced, allowing them to deeply understand and appreciate the charm of Evenki culture in practice.
Media also plays a vital role in raising awareness of Evenki culture. With the widespread use of the internet and social media, traditional and new media serve as bridges connecting Evenki culture with the public. By producing and broadcasting films, documentaries, and special programs about the Evenki people, a broader audience can learn about Evenki traditions, language, and artistic creations in an intuitive and vivid manner. Additionally, utilizing social media platforms to share stories, photos, and videos related to Evenki culture can not only enhance public cultural awareness but also stimulate netizens' interest and participation, creating a positive interaction and dissemination effect.
Public activities such as cultural festivals, exhibitions, and lectures provide a platform for face-to-face communication and experiencing Evenki culture. Through these activities, not only can the rich and colorful cultural arts of the Evenki people be showcased, but understanding and exchanges among people from different cultural backgrounds can also be enhanced. This live cultural experience plays an irreplaceable role in strengthening the public's identification with and awareness of the need to protect Evenki culture.
Through deep integration with the educational system, widespread dissemination through media, and a variety of public activities, societal recognition and support for Evenki culture can be effectively enhanced. This is not only crucial for the protection and inheritance of Evenki culture but also has a profound impact on promoting the diversity and harmonious coexistence of global cultures.
6. Conclusion and Outlook
In the journey of exploring the protection and inheritance of Evenki ethnic culture, we have gained a deep understanding of the precious value of this unique culture and the multiple challenges it faces. Evenki culture, with its rich historical information, distinctive language features, and unique lifestyles and art forms, constitutes an indispensable part of the global multicultural tapestry. However, in the context of globalization, Evenki culture is experiencing unprecedented pressures, including cultural assimilation, language disappearance, and the gradual forgetting of traditional knowledge and skills, all of which urgently require effective measures to be addressed. Through our analysis, we have highlighted the important role of modern technology, especially digital means, in the protection and inheritance of Evenki culture, as well as the key role of education and public media in raising societal awareness of the importance of this culture. These strategies not only provide new perspectives and methods for the protection of Evenki culture but also offer valuable experiences for the protection of other minority cultures.
Looking to the future, the protection and inheritance of Evenki culture remain challenging yet hopeful. On one hand, the strengthening of interdisciplinary cooperation can bring more resources and innovative ideas to cultural preservation efforts. The close collaboration between scholars, artists, technology experts, and policymakers will be key to promoting the sustainable development of Evenki culture. On the other hand, with the continuous advancement of digital technology, using these technologies for the preservation, dissemination, and re-creation of cultural materials will open new doors for the protection of Evenki culture. Moreover, strengthening international exchange and cooperation can not only enhance the international influence of Evenki culture but also help attract more attention and support to face the challenges of protecting global cultural diversity together. Most importantly, the core of Evenki cultural inheritance lies in talent cultivation. Future efforts need to focus more on nurturing individuals who can transcend language and cultural barriers, combining traditional knowledge with modern society. These talents will become bridges connecting the past with the future, tradition with modernity, injecting new vitality and sustainable development into Evenki culture.
In summary, despite the many challenges faced in the protection and inheritance of Evenki culture, through continuous efforts, innovative methods, and domestic and international cooperation, we have reason to believe that this ancient culture can not only survive in modern society but also flourish anew, making a significant contribution to the protection of global cultural diversity. This process is not only a rescue of Evenki culture but also a treasured inheritance of the common cultural heritage of humankind, with profound significance.
References
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[2]. Ji, B.H., & Hao, Q.Y. (2020). On the migration and distribution pattern formation of the Evenki people in the Russian Far East. Study and Exploration, (3), 167-172.
[3]. Zhang, H.H., & Li, Y.J. (2023). A comparative study and enlightenment of minority language protection policies in China and Italy. European Languages and Cultures Studies, (02), 118-132+151.
[4]. Guo, S.H. (2023). Research on the digital protection of ethnic languages and cultures in Guizhou. Cultural Journal, (10), 162-165.
[5]. Wang, H.Y. (2023). An analysis of the development trend of the Chinese language from an ecological linguistics perspective. Environmental Engineering, 41(08), 366.
[6]. Xie, Y.Y., Zhang, Y.Y., & Li, D.Q. (2023). The current situation and paths of protection for China's endangered language resources from the perspective of intangible cultural heritage. Journal of Baise University, 36(02), 45-51. DOI:10.16726/j.cnki.bsxb.2023.02.011.
[7]. Huang, Q. (2023). Protection and inheritance mechanisms of minority languages and cultures. Cultural Industries, (06), 59-61.
[8]. Jia, L.Q. (2023). The dilemmas and solutions for the protection of minority languages in the information age in China. Frontier Economy and Culture, (01), 65-68.
[9]. Wang, X.M. (2016). Research on the culture and protection of the Evenki nationality in Russia [Dissertation]. Minzu University of China.
[10]. Zhang, N., & Wang, X.M. (2016). The study of Evenki nationality culture by Chinese and foreign scholars. Journal of Guangxi Teachers Education University (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition), 37(01), 42-49.
[11]. Song, L.R., & Jiang, J. (2019). A comparative analysis and development strategy of cross-border ethnic cultural education between China and Russia along the Heilongjiang (Amur River) under the "Belt and Road" initiative. Research on Ethnic Education, (5), 73-81.
[12]. Zhang, W. (2016). An analysis of the unique ethnic culture in Russian culture teaching field—Yakut culture. Contemporary Educational Practice and Teaching Research (Electronic Edition), (06X), 247-.
[13]. Liu, X.C. (2023). A study on the population changes of the Evenki in Russia and the Ewenki in China. Ethnology Journal, 14(4), 60-67.
[14]. (2019). The academic seminar on the cultural consciousness and confidence of the Daur, Ewenki, and Oroqen nationalities was held at our school. Journal of Hulunbuir College, 27(3), F0002-F0002.
[15]. (2018). Let the garden of higher education bloom with the flower of ethnic unity—A glimpse of ethnic education at Inner Mongolia Hulunbuir College. Journal of Hulunbuir College, 26(5), 149-149.
[16]. Duo, L.T. (2018). My views on the music of the Ewenki minority nationality and school-based R&D. Youth Diary: Educational Research, (4), 167-167.
[17]. Yu, S., & Fu, Z.T. (2009). A comparative study on the current situation of teacher team construction at the basic education stage of the Daur and Ewenki nationalities. Journal of Hulunbuir College, 17(2), 95-98.
[18]. Wang, D.W. (2012). A brief analysis of the characteristics of intangible cultural heritage projects in Qiqihar City. Journal of Qiqihar Junior College, (2), 92-93.
[19]. Liu, Z.G. (2017). An exploration of the art of the northern hunting nationality, the Oroqen people of Aoluguya. Journal of Hulunbuir College, 25(3), 10-13.
[20]. Wang, Y.B. (2015). Application of the Evenki ethnic patterns in landscape garden design. Journal of Kaifeng Institute of Education, 35(12), 258-259.
[21]. Lazareva, L.B. (2014). Commercial rituals of the Evenks. Arctic XXI Century. Humanities, 1(2), 96-99. [In Russian: Лазарева, Л.Б. (2014). Промысловые обряды эвенков. Арктика XXI век. Гуманитарные науки, 1(2), 96-99.]
[22]. Zadorozhny, V.F., & Gil'fanova, V.I. (2009). Traditional nature use of the Evenks in the Eastern Transbaikal under market economy conditions. Bulletin of Tomsk State University, (318), 166-169. [In Russian: Задорожный, В.Ф., & Гильфанова, В.И. (2009). Традиционное природопользование эвенков Восточного Забайкалья в условиях рыночной экономики. Вестник Томского государственного университета, (318), 166-169.]
Cite this article
Liu,S.;Rui,Y. (2024). On the Protection and Inheritance of the Evenki Ethnic Culture. Advances in Humanities Research,5,22-26.
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References
[1]. Zhang, Y.N. (2019). Moving out of the development "dilemma": Society and culture of the Oroqen people in anthropological discourse. Journal of Primitive Ecology and Ethnic Culture, 11(6), 59-70.
[2]. Ji, B.H., & Hao, Q.Y. (2020). On the migration and distribution pattern formation of the Evenki people in the Russian Far East. Study and Exploration, (3), 167-172.
[3]. Zhang, H.H., & Li, Y.J. (2023). A comparative study and enlightenment of minority language protection policies in China and Italy. European Languages and Cultures Studies, (02), 118-132+151.
[4]. Guo, S.H. (2023). Research on the digital protection of ethnic languages and cultures in Guizhou. Cultural Journal, (10), 162-165.
[5]. Wang, H.Y. (2023). An analysis of the development trend of the Chinese language from an ecological linguistics perspective. Environmental Engineering, 41(08), 366.
[6]. Xie, Y.Y., Zhang, Y.Y., & Li, D.Q. (2023). The current situation and paths of protection for China's endangered language resources from the perspective of intangible cultural heritage. Journal of Baise University, 36(02), 45-51. DOI:10.16726/j.cnki.bsxb.2023.02.011.
[7]. Huang, Q. (2023). Protection and inheritance mechanisms of minority languages and cultures. Cultural Industries, (06), 59-61.
[8]. Jia, L.Q. (2023). The dilemmas and solutions for the protection of minority languages in the information age in China. Frontier Economy and Culture, (01), 65-68.
[9]. Wang, X.M. (2016). Research on the culture and protection of the Evenki nationality in Russia [Dissertation]. Minzu University of China.
[10]. Zhang, N., & Wang, X.M. (2016). The study of Evenki nationality culture by Chinese and foreign scholars. Journal of Guangxi Teachers Education University (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition), 37(01), 42-49.
[11]. Song, L.R., & Jiang, J. (2019). A comparative analysis and development strategy of cross-border ethnic cultural education between China and Russia along the Heilongjiang (Amur River) under the "Belt and Road" initiative. Research on Ethnic Education, (5), 73-81.
[12]. Zhang, W. (2016). An analysis of the unique ethnic culture in Russian culture teaching field—Yakut culture. Contemporary Educational Practice and Teaching Research (Electronic Edition), (06X), 247-.
[13]. Liu, X.C. (2023). A study on the population changes of the Evenki in Russia and the Ewenki in China. Ethnology Journal, 14(4), 60-67.
[14]. (2019). The academic seminar on the cultural consciousness and confidence of the Daur, Ewenki, and Oroqen nationalities was held at our school. Journal of Hulunbuir College, 27(3), F0002-F0002.
[15]. (2018). Let the garden of higher education bloom with the flower of ethnic unity—A glimpse of ethnic education at Inner Mongolia Hulunbuir College. Journal of Hulunbuir College, 26(5), 149-149.
[16]. Duo, L.T. (2018). My views on the music of the Ewenki minority nationality and school-based R&D. Youth Diary: Educational Research, (4), 167-167.
[17]. Yu, S., & Fu, Z.T. (2009). A comparative study on the current situation of teacher team construction at the basic education stage of the Daur and Ewenki nationalities. Journal of Hulunbuir College, 17(2), 95-98.
[18]. Wang, D.W. (2012). A brief analysis of the characteristics of intangible cultural heritage projects in Qiqihar City. Journal of Qiqihar Junior College, (2), 92-93.
[19]. Liu, Z.G. (2017). An exploration of the art of the northern hunting nationality, the Oroqen people of Aoluguya. Journal of Hulunbuir College, 25(3), 10-13.
[20]. Wang, Y.B. (2015). Application of the Evenki ethnic patterns in landscape garden design. Journal of Kaifeng Institute of Education, 35(12), 258-259.
[21]. Lazareva, L.B. (2014). Commercial rituals of the Evenks. Arctic XXI Century. Humanities, 1(2), 96-99. [In Russian: Лазарева, Л.Б. (2014). Промысловые обряды эвенков. Арктика XXI век. Гуманитарные науки, 1(2), 96-99.]
[22]. Zadorozhny, V.F., & Gil'fanova, V.I. (2009). Traditional nature use of the Evenks in the Eastern Transbaikal under market economy conditions. Bulletin of Tomsk State University, (318), 166-169. [In Russian: Задорожный, В.Ф., & Гильфанова, В.И. (2009). Традиционное природопользование эвенков Восточного Забайкалья в условиях рыночной экономики. Вестник Томского государственного университета, (318), 166-169.]