Definition of Terms

CHAPTER I Introduction

4. Definition of Terms

4.1

Mazu belief/Mazu culture

In this thesis,it means that Mazu belief is one of the important traditional folk beliefs in China.The Mazu belief originated from Putian in the Song Dynasty. Due to the frequent maritime activities and the acception and awards of Mazu by the rulers, Mazu belief spread along the footsteps of the seafarers.

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Mazu culture is a general term for the material and spiritual wealth left and passed down by the working people who respect and believe in Mazu for thousands of years , and it is one of the important cultural treasures in Chinese nation.

4.2

Social cultural development on Meizhou Island

The social cultural development on Meizhou Island is basically closely related with the process of the development of Mazu belief.It has experienced

development stages such as origin,rise,proserity,decline and redevelopment,especially after China’s economic reform on 1978.

4.3 Self-identity

In this thesis it means that Chinese people formed a sense to identify with Mazu belief in their own way.Self-identity refers to the self-concept formed by a person's overall understanding of himself and is composed of relatively permanent self- evaluation. No self-identity is given, it is a continuation of individual action systems.

To be a "person" is not only to be a reflective actor, but also to have the concept of a person (describing self and others).

4.4 The construction of self-identity of Chinese people on Meizhou Island In the old society,people was spontaneous in believing Mazu.Mazu belief was based on the experience of people’s life and spiritual sustenance.At the same time,it was also a mean for rulers to restrict people’s behavior and thoughts.

In the new society,under the background of meeting the needs of material and spiritual weath,government intend to awaken people’s sense of national identity and Chinese identity through Mazu belief,and to strengthen the national cohesion.

4.5 Social network

In this thesis it means that Social network is a form of social organization based on "networks" (interconnections between nodes) rather than "groups" (clear boundaries and order). It is also an analytical perspective of Western sociology from the 1960s.

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4.6 Globalization

In this thesis it means that globalization is a phenomenon of the development of human society. Globalization in the general sense refers to the growing global connections, the development of human life on the basis of global scale, and the rise of global consciousness. Countries are interdependent in politics, economy and trade,etc.

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Research Methodology

5.1 Population and Sample 5.1.1 Key Informant

5.1.1.1 the board of directors of the ancestral temple of Mazu

This is the folk organization which is responsible for promoting Mazu culture, and it is responsible for all matters of the Mazu Temple.Board members are composed of rural elites and government workers.

5.1.1.2 Meizhou Island National Tourism Resort Management Committee

This is the government department and is responsible for all matters of Meizhou Island.

5.1.1.3 local residents of Meizhou Island

This is an important folk force to witness, participate in and inherit the development of Mazu culture.They are also devout believers of Mazu.They personally experienced all about Mazu.

5.1.1.4 believers

They are Chinese people who believe Mazu in China and Overseas.

5.1.2 General Informant 5.1.2.1 tourists

They come here because of Mazu’s reputation,they came to pay tribute to Mazu and look forward to being protected by Mazu. At the same time, they will appreciate the beautiful scenery of Meizhou Island

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5.1.2.2 performers

They participate in various large folk activities of Mazu, such as Mazu Festival and Mazu Parade,etc,.They show Mazu culture from another angle in a unique way,they spread Mazu culture, and reflect the artistic characteristics of Mazu culture

5.1.2.3 researchers

They are the main force of studying Mazu culture and deeply exploring the essence of Mazu culture.They can be teachers, researchers, librarians, retirees, etc.They query the literature, record relevant information, and demonstrate and promote the Mazu culture with a unique perspective.

5.1.2.4 artists

There are many artworks in folk activities, such as sculptures, folk painting, architectural decorations,etc.They combine their own professions with Mazu to gain an in-depth understanding of Mazu and explore the representative artistic elements of Mazu,they use these elements for creation.

5.2 Research Instrumentation 5.2.1 Qualitative research

5.2.2 Formal and informal interviews 5.2.3 Fieldwork observation

5.2.4 camera and recording pen

5.3 Data Collection

5.3.1 Documentary Collection 5.3.1.1 Documents and records

5.3.1.2 Research on audio-visual materials 5.3.1.3 Academic journal and research 5.3.2 Fieldwork Data collection

5.3.2.1 Fieldwork studies 5.3.2.2 Formal interview 5.3.2.3 Informal interview

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5.4 Research Tools 5.4.1 Social survey 5.4.2 Observer

5.4.3 Documentary studies

Through various channels, using various methods and methods, there are plans and purposeful understanding of the real situation of things. Processing, and gradually understand the nature and laws of objective things.

Interview form is one of the important information collection tools.

Based on the research questions formulated in advance, they will be submitted to the interviewees in written form. The interviewees will have a clearer understanding of the research content and make targeted explanations. Researchers can also develop new questions based on the answers given by the interviewees, or consider deeper interviews. At the same time, the question-and-answer form need to make the participants to communicate flexibly and give the interviewees enough time to consider problems. However, during the interview, the interviewer is required to explain the content on the questionnaire form to help the interviewee understand. After the interview, we can consider whether we need to organize more in-depth interviews according to the process and results of the interview. Interviews can be conducted with different people or multiple times with the same person.

The observer is the main test or main test assistant who observes the research object in the observation method. The observer encodes the target behavior according to the definition and rules of the coding scheme. The results can be used for quantitative analysis and comparative research.

The Documentary studies method mainly refers to the methods of collecting, identifying, collating the literature, and forming a scientific understanding of the facts through the research of the literature. Bibliographic method is an ancient and vital scientific research method.

5.5 Fieldwork

Fieldwork is a general term used to describe the collection of raw materials.

Fieldwork is mainly carried out in the field. The nature of field work will vary depending on whether the subject is alive or dead, and where they exist in a residential

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habitat or buried beneath the soil. Other processes such as interviewing or observing people to learn their language, folklore, and their social structure are also included. In some situations, especially when the subject of the study is human beings, the work must be designed to avoid the risk of observer effects or over-theorization or idealization of the actual cultural activity. Field investigation can be divided into five phases: preparation phase, start phase, investigation phase, investigation report writing phase, and supplementary investigation phase. Only the first three stages are explained here.

5.6 Data Tabulation and Analysis There are two things to do here.

First,to tabulate all data collected and group them according to research purposes or objectives,make sure that you bring in all data collected using all research tools or instrument.

Second,to analyze the research data.When we analyze research data,we often use some statistics.In qualitative research,we describe the situation which must in line with objectives or purposes.If possible,use number,frequency or percentage or whatever needed pictures,spoken words,diaries etc.

5.7 Research results

The basic data recording tools are cameras and recorders. Cameras are used to collect image data, and should be used for image data collection of Chinese traditional painting works themselves and on-site image data of Chinese traditional painting related activities. The recorder is used to record conversations in formal or informal situations to facilitate further data analysis and research. In the scope of a scientific and technological research project or research project that you are engaged in, a series of mental and physical work, such as experimental observations, investigations, and comprehensive analysis, are obtained and reviewed and identified to confirm creative results with academic significance and practical value.

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