Popular song between art structure and practice contexts: "An anthropological approach"

Abstract

         This article examines popular song as an expressive space that combines artistic characteristics and contexts of social and cultural practice, based on the premise that popular song is a social act that preserves collective memory and reproduces identity. The research focuses on analyzing vocal, rhythmic, and melodic elements, texts, and performance forms, in addition to examining the social and ritual contexts in which popular song is practiced and its role in building social cohesion and expressing belonging. The article adopts an anthropological approach that employs field observation and oral discourse analysis to understand the relationship between sound and action in popular culture and highlight the cognitive and aesthetic value of popular song as a living and ever-changing practice. The article also seeks to uncover the symbols and underlying meanings within the structure of folk songs, viewing them as a collective language that expresses communal emotions and social transformations. It pays particular attention to the manifestations of the popular voice in contexts of celebration, labor, and resistance, given their profound human and historical dimensions. Furthermore, it aims to highlight how folk songs continue to fulfill their communicative and symbolic functions despite ongoing social and cultural changes.