Macedonia. . .Em Baba, Em Nevesta: The history and culture of Macedonia told through its folk songs

By Kathy C. Dimitrievski

The history, culture, language, and geography of Macedonia, as told through its folk songs, from ancient civilization to modern times, is the focus of this book . Secondly, this book considers how the folk song acts as a means of informal education. Em, Baba, Em Nevesta (Grandmother, as well as, Young Bride) is a personification the author uses to describe Macedonia having ancient roots, as well as being a New Republic (since 1991). Here we have a thorough and well-researched doctoral dissertation study, on the ground, in six countries, over multiple generations in families, and across the globe, through an Internet survey. Strong support and recognition was received for this project in all the locations. Participants, who had not sung for years, broke their silence. And those passionate about singing, filled the air with their voices. This book is a presentation of the research findings from Dr. Kathy Dimitrievski's doctoral dissertation (Phd, University of Buffalo, 2000). Oral histories, in the Republic of Macedonia, the annexed parts (Egej, Pirin, Mala Prespa), and the diaspora, along with Internet survey results, shed a light on the importance of the Macedonian folk song, over generations. The interviews include famous singers of the song, and many heart wrenching stories of the difficulty of life and the separation of family, known all too well by Macedonians, as a result of the annexations and sojourning. Above all, one can see a perseverance in spirit, faith in God, and strong family support, under the most difficult circumstances, including Communism, and suppression under the Turkish Ottoman Empire. Heroes emerged, to gain independence for Macedonia, and are highly represented in the folk songs. The author, an American woman, married to a Macedonian immigrant, learned the language, which was critical in these interviews, almost all of them having been conducted using the Macedonian language.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B08N3PJH7K
• ISBN13: 9798561333231
• Release Date: November 2020
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 306 Pages
• Weight: 2.17 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.5" x 11.0"