Journal of Mother Tongue Education

Abstract

Folk songs are one of the important literary products
reflecting the life style and culture of a society. Themes in folk songs are
the elements that reflect the culture. These themes reflect the people's
lifestyle, customs and traditions. This study was conducted to determine the
vocabulary and cultural themes in Ardahan folk songs. In this study,
descriptive method was used and the folk songs belonging to Ardahan province
were examined in terms of themes and symbols with titles by conducting
documentary research. In this context, twenty-two
folk songs belonging to Ardahan region from the sources of Turkish Radio and
Television Corporation (TRT) were examined. It is seen that the topics such as
love, immigration, separation, homesickness, nature, death - lament and
economic activities were written in Ardahan folk songs that were examined. In
addition, it is seen that geographical formations and outdoor elements of the
region, climate, animals, plants, celestial bodies, mines, religious elements,
colors, names of men and women, relatives, sadness and suffering, clothing,
weddings and instruments had effects on the cultural themes in the examined
folk songs.Considering the vocabulary of the folk songs, it is revealed that
they are closely related to the cultural texture of the region. In this study,
the elements that constitute the vocabulary in the folk songs of Ardahan region
were discussed. It will be an effective way to utilize the vocabulary of the
folk songs in the culture transfer in various levels and in different courses
in schools.