Description
Book SynopsisPerspectives on East and Southeast Asian Folktales is a multidisciplinary examination of folktales that are unfamiliar to Western audiences. Examining folktales from countries like Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Burma, China, Japan, and Korea, the contributors consider various aspects: including identity issues, morals, collectivism, violence, scatological references, language socialization, representation of Buddhist values, emotional competence, as well as folktales' relationship to idioms and narrative structure. Highlighting differences and similarities between East and Southeast Asian and Western folktales, this volume promotes memorable understanding of East and Southeast Asian cultures and their oral traditions.
Trade ReviewWhat a revealing volume! Folktales are the perfect window, not only into the values and educational mindset of Asia but into the many differences between Asian cultures. Informative, stimulating, and accessible, this is a must-read for anyone interested in culture and its transmission.
-- Gish Jen, author of Thank You, Mr. Nixon
This excellent collection brings together folkloristic, cultural, psychological, and educational perspectives on East and Southeast Asian folktales, including those personally told or retold by some immigrant families from the region. Presenting these complex and multifaceted dimensions in one accessible collection, the book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the study of folktales and will appeal to a broad range of readers.
-- Soe Marlar Lwin, Singapore University of Social Sciences
This comprehensive book highlights the value of folktales in better understanding morals and ethics of East and Southeast Asian countries from psychological, educational, and cultural perspectives. I enjoyed reading the carefully analyzed folktales in the volume. These folktales provide a window to thinking about critical implications of moral and ethical influences from these countries. A great way to learn about historical, social-cultural, and psychological perspectives of East and Southeast Asian countries through analysis of their folktales.
-- Laurie Katz, The Ohio State University
