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Folk music Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Folk Music: Traditions, Evolution, and Global Reach

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Folk Music: Traditions, Evolution, and Global Reach Study Guide

Foundations of Folk Music

Folk music is a genre that exclusively encompasses traditional folk music and excludes any contemporary forms that evolved from it.

Answer: False

Explanation: Folk music is understood to encompass both traditional forms and contemporary genres that have evolved from them, particularly following the 20th-century folk revival.

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The term 'folk music' originated in the 18th century, drawing inspiration from the German term 'Volk' meaning 'the people as a whole.'

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'folk music' originated in the 19th century, influenced by the concept of 'folklore' and the German term 'Volk,' which signifies 'the people as a whole.'

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Traditional folk music is often contrasted with commercial and classical music styles due to its distinct origins and transmission methods.

Answer: True

Explanation: Folk music's distinct origins and methods of transmission, often oral and community-based, differentiate it from the more formalized structures of commercial and classical music.

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In folk music, a 'tune' refers to a complex, multi-part composition with lyrics that tells a story.

Answer: False

Explanation: Within folk music, a 'tune' typically denotes a short instrumental piece, essentially a melody, often featuring repeating sections.

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The AABB structure is the most common musical form for instrumental pieces, or 'tunes,' found in folk music.

Answer: True

Explanation: The AABB form, also known as binary form, is indeed the most prevalent musical structure for instrumental tunes within the folk music tradition.

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According to the source, how is folk music generally defined?

Answer: A genre that includes traditional folk music and the contemporary genre that evolved from it.

Explanation: Folk music is generally defined as encompassing both traditional folk music and the contemporary genres that have evolved from it, particularly during the folk revival movements.

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Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the source as a way traditional folk music has been defined by observers?

Answer: Music played exclusively on electric guitars.

Explanation: The source lists various characteristics used to define folk music, such as oral transmission, unknown composers, and cultural identity, but not music played exclusively on electric guitars.

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When did the term 'folk music' originate, and what were its primary influences?

Answer: The 19th century, influenced by the concept of 'folklore' and the German term 'Volk'.

Explanation: The term 'folk music' emerged in the 19th century, drawing from William Thoms's concept of 'folklore' and Johann Gottfried Herder's use of the German term 'Volk' to denote popular and national music.

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In the context of folk music, what does the term 'tune' specifically refer to?

Answer: A short instrumental piece, essentially a melody, often with repeating sections.

Explanation: In folk music terminology, a 'tune' generally refers to a concise instrumental melody, frequently structured with repeating sections.

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What is the most common musical form for instrumental 'tunes' in folk music?

Answer: AABB

Explanation: The AABB structure, also known as binary form, is the most frequently encountered musical form for instrumental tunes within folk music traditions.

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Why is a precise definition of folk music considered elusive?

Answer: Because it tends to have certain characteristics rather than being clearly differentiated by purely musical terms.

Explanation: The definition of folk music is often considered elusive because it is typically characterized by a set of attributes and cultural contexts rather than strict, purely musical criteria.

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Which of the following is a fusion genre that includes folk music?

Answer: Folk rock

Explanation: Folk rock is a prominent example of a fusion genre that integrates elements of folk music with rock music.

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Transmission and Evolution: The Folk Process

Oral transmission has historically been unimportant for folk music, as written notation was universally adopted early on.

Answer: False

Explanation: Oral transmission has been fundamentally important for folk music, particularly in pre-literate societies, serving as the primary method for learning and perpetuating musical traditions.

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Cecil Sharp theorized that folk song variants would remain static over time due to the consistency of oral transmission.

Answer: False

Explanation: Cecil Sharp proposed that folk song variants evolve dynamically, suggesting that more appealing versions are adopted and transmitted, leading to incremental community-driven improvements over time, rather than remaining static.

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How has oral transmission historically shaped folk music according to the source?

Answer: It was key to the folk character, involving learning by ear and community adaptation.

Explanation: Oral transmission has been central to the folk character of music, facilitating learning by ear and enabling continuous adaptation and re-creation by the community.

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What theory did Cecil Sharp propose regarding the evolution of folk song variants?

Answer: Appealing versions are adopted and transmitted, leading to incremental community improvement.

Explanation: Cecil Sharp theorized that folk song variants undergo a process akin to natural selection, where appealing versions are favored and transmitted, leading to gradual refinement within the community.

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What is the 'folk process' as described by Charles Seeger?

Answer: The method by which music is transmitted and adapted within a community, emphasizing continuity and oral transmission.

Explanation: Charles Seeger defined the 'folk process' as the mechanism through which music is transmitted and adapted within a community, highlighting the importance of continuity and oral transmission in shaping its folk character.

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What is the 'folk process' as described in the source?

Answer: The evolution of music through oral transmission and community adaptation.

Explanation: The 'folk process' refers to the dynamic evolution of music through oral transmission and continuous adaptation within a community, shaping its folk character over time.

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What is the significance of the 'folk process' in defining folk music?

Answer: It describes the continuous adaptation and evolution of music through oral transmission and community participation.

Explanation: The 'folk process' is significant in defining folk music as it elucidates the continuous adaptation and evolution of music via oral transmission and community participation, ensuring its dynamic nature.

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Folk Music and Cultural Identity

Folk music serves as a significant marker of cultural or national identity, particularly in distinguishing groups against globalization.

Answer: True

Explanation: Traditional folk music frequently functions as a crucial element of cultural and national identity, aiding in the preservation of traditions and the differentiation of groups, especially in the context of globalizing influences.

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Which of the following is a significant role of traditional folk music mentioned in the source?

Answer: To serve as a badge of cultural or national identity.

Explanation: Traditional folk music plays a vital role as a marker of cultural and national identity, helping to preserve heritage and distinguish communities.

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How did the term 'folk' coincide with national sentiments in 19th-century Europe?

Answer: It coincided with an outburst of national feeling, particularly at the edges where national identity was strongly asserted.

Explanation: The emergence of the term 'folk' in the 19th century aligned with a surge of national sentiment across Europe, especially in regions asserting distinct national identities, influencing cultural expressions including music.

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Historical Figures, Movements, and Studies

Nationalist composers like Dvořák and Grieg primarily avoided using folk melodies in their classical compositions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Nationalist composers such as Dvořák and Grieg frequently incorporated folk melodies into their classical compositions, drawing inspiration from the rich traditions of their respective cultures.

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John Lomax's major early work in American folk music studies focused exclusively on cowboy songs.

Answer: False

Explanation: While John Lomax's early work included cowboy songs, his significant contributions to American folk music studies also encompassed the music of southern Black communities, reflecting a broader scope.

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Regionalism was a significant theme among folk scholars in the early 20th century, focusing on diversity across different US regions.

Answer: True

Explanation: Early 20th-century folk scholarship, particularly in the United States, placed considerable emphasis on regionalism, analyzing the diverse folk music traditions found across different geographical areas.

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Nationalist composers like Achim von Arnim and Clemens Brentano compiled medieval folk songs in *Des Knaben Wunderhorn*.

Answer: True

Explanation: Achim von Arnim and Clemens Brentano compiled medieval folk songs into the collection *Des Knaben Wunderhorn*, a significant work during the German Romantic period.

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What is the significance of the 'folk revival' mentioned in the source?

Answer: It led to the emergence of a new popular form of folk music in the mid-20th century.

Explanation: The folk revival, particularly the mid-20th century movement, was significant for fostering a new, popular genre of folk music that often incorporated contemporary themes and styles.

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Nationalist composers like Dvořák and Grieg are noted for:

Answer: Incorporating folk melodies into their original classical compositions.

Explanation: Nationalist composers such as Dvořák and Grieg are recognized for their significant practice of integrating folk melodies and elements into their original classical works.

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Who was John Lomax, and what was his contribution to American folk music studies?

Answer: A scholar who studied distinctly American folk music, including cowboy and Black community music.

Explanation: John Lomax was a pivotal scholar in American folk music studies, known for his extensive research into cowboy songs and the music of Black communities in the southern United States.

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The Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, founded in 1928, is cited as:

Answer: One of the earliest folk music festivals in the United States.

Explanation: The Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, established in 1928, is recognized as one of the pioneering folk music festivals in the United States.

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The Global Jukebox project, developed by Alan Lomax, was primarily:

Answer: An interactive multimedia educational computer project.

Explanation: Alan Lomax's Global Jukebox project was conceived as an interactive multimedia educational computer initiative, designed to preserve and disseminate global musical traditions.

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What role did the Library of Congress play in preserving American folk music during the 1930s and 1940s?

Answer: Through collectors like Alan Lomax, it worked to capture significant amounts of American field material.

Explanation: During the 1930s and 1940s, the Library of Congress, notably through the efforts of collectors like Alan Lomax, played a crucial role in documenting and preserving substantial American folk music field recordings.

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What is the 'Global Jukebox' project?

Answer: An interactive multimedia educational computer project by Alan Lomax.

Explanation: The 'Global Jukebox' project, conceived by Alan Lomax, was an extensive interactive multimedia educational computer initiative aimed at preserving and disseminating global musical traditions.

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Regional Folk Traditions

The music of North Africa is generally considered identical to Sub-Saharan African music traditions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Musical traditions in North Africa generally exhibit distinct characteristics that differentiate them from those found in Sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting diverse cultural histories and influences.

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In South Asia, Alam Lohar is classified as a classical singer, not a folk singer.

Answer: False

Explanation: In South Asia, figures like Alam Lohar are recognized as prominent folk singers, contributing significantly to the region's traditional musical landscape.

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Chinese folk music, dating back 7,000 years, is primarily based on the chromatic scale.

Answer: False

Explanation: Chinese folk music, with its ancient origins, is predominantly structured around the pentatonic scale, not the chromatic scale.

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Sri Lankan traditional dances like the Mayura Wannama are inspired by mythological figures rather than animals or nature.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sri Lankan traditional dances, such as the Mayura Wannama (peacock dance), draw their inspiration from animals and natural elements, reflecting a deep connection to the environment.

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Australian bush ballads often tell personal stories of life in the Australian landscape, with 'Waltzing Matilda' being a famous example.

Answer: True

Explanation: Australian bush ballads are a prominent genre that frequently narrates personal experiences and life within the Australian landscape, with 'Waltzing Matilda' serving as a widely recognized example.

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Celtic music strictly refers only to the folk traditions of Ireland and Scotland.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'Celtic music' encompasses a broader range of folk traditions, including those from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall, and the Isle of Man, among others.

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The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem were instrumental in the decline, rather than the revival, of Irish traditional music.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem played a significant role in the revival and popularization of Irish traditional music, bringing it to wider international audiences.

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The polka originated in Poland in the early 19th century and is now primarily a folk genre in Eastern Europe.

Answer: False

Explanation: The polka originated in Bohemia in the mid-19th century and remains a significant folk genre across numerous European countries.

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Balkan folk music was influenced by the Ottoman Empire and is sometimes characterized by complex rhythms.

Answer: True

Explanation: Balkan folk music bears the influence of the Ottoman Empire and is often characterized by intricate rhythmic patterns.

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Nordic folk music traditions are primarily found in Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Norway, with little variation.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Nordic folk music is prominent in Scandinavian countries, significant regional variations exist within these traditions, alongside shared elements.

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The fiddle is the primary instrument in Swedish folk music, and the polska is its signature dance form.

Answer: True

Explanation: The fiddle is indeed a principal instrument in Swedish folk music, and the polska is recognized as its characteristic music and dance form.

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Which statement accurately describes the relationship between North African and Sub-Saharan African music traditions according to the source?

Answer: North African music generally differs from Sub-Saharan African music traditions.

Explanation: The source indicates that North African music traditions typically exhibit differences from those found in Sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting the continent's diverse musical landscape.

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In South Asia, who is mentioned as an example of a folk singer?

Answer: Alam Lohar

Explanation: Alam Lohar is cited as an example of a folk singer within the context of South Asian musical traditions.

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What scale is largely the basis for Chinese folk music, according to the source?

Answer: Pentatonic scale

Explanation: Chinese folk music, with its extensive historical roots, is predominantly based on the pentatonic scale.

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Sri Lankan traditional dances, such as the Mayura Wannama, are inspired by:

Answer: Animals and nature

Explanation: Sri Lankan traditional dances, exemplified by the Mayura Wannama, are inspired by the natural world, particularly animals and environmental elements.

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What is a prominent genre within Australian folk music traditions, often telling personal stories of life in the landscape?

Answer: Bush ballads

Explanation: Bush ballads represent a significant genre in Australian folk music, characterized by narratives recounting personal experiences within the Australian landscape.

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Celtic music, as described in the source, encompasses traditions from all of the following EXCEPT:

Answer: Hungarian

Explanation: While Celtic music includes traditions from Ireland, Scotland, and Brittany, Hungarian folk music is not typically categorized under the Celtic umbrella.

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Artists like The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem are noted for their contribution to:

Answer: The popularization of Irish traditional music.

Explanation: The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem were pivotal figures in revitalizing and popularizing Irish traditional music, bringing it to a broader international audience.

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Where did the polka originate, and when?

Answer: Bohemia, mid-19th century

Explanation: The polka originated in Bohemia during the mid-19th century, subsequently becoming a widespread folk genre.

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What is a characteristic sometimes associated with Balkan folk music, according to the source?

Answer: Complex rhythms.

Explanation: Balkan folk music is sometimes characterized by its complex rhythmic structures, reflecting the region's diverse musical heritage.

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What is the 'polska' in Swedish folk music?

Answer: The Polska

Explanation: The polska is identified as the signature music and dance form within Swedish folk traditions.

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The folk music of the Americas is described as a convergence of which three primary musical types?

Answer: European, Native American, and tribal African music.

Explanation: The folk music of the Americas is understood as a synthesis resulting from the confluence of European, Native American, and tribal African musical traditions.

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What does Nueva Canción, a movement in Latin American folk music, primarily emphasize?

Answer: Socially committed lyrics.

Explanation: Nueva Canción, a significant movement in Latin American folk music, is primarily characterized by its emphasis on socially and politically engaged lyrical content.

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How is Canadian traditional folk music described by academics?

Answer: As exceptionally diverse, with various ethnic and regional traditions.

Explanation: Academics describe Canadian traditional folk music as exceptionally diverse, encompassing a multitude of ethnic and regional traditions rather than a singular national form.

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What is American traditional music also known as?

Answer: Roots music

Explanation: American traditional music is commonly referred to as 'roots music,' encompassing a broad spectrum of genres that originated or significantly developed within the United States.

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The Carter Family's impact on American music included:

Answer: Marking a divergence of country music from traditional folk.

Explanation: The Carter Family's influential work marked a significant point where country music began to differentiate itself from its traditional folk roots.

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What is the primary instrument mentioned for Swedish folk music?

Answer: The fiddle

Explanation: The fiddle is identified as the principal instrument within Swedish folk music traditions.

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What is the 'táncház' movement in Hungary?

Answer: A type of music club focused on reviving folk traditions of music, dance, and costume.

Explanation: The 'táncház' movement in Hungary refers to a type of music club dedicated to the revival of traditional folk music, dance, and costume.

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What is the 'joik' in the context of Nordic folk music?

Answer: A unique musical tradition associated with the Sami people.

Explanation: The 'joik' is recognized as a distinctive musical tradition associated with the Sami people, indigenous to parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia.

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What is 'corrido' in Mexican folk music?

Answer: A type of traditional Mexican folk music featuring ballads and narrative songs.

Explanation: 'Corrido' denotes a style within traditional Mexican folk music, often comprising ballads and narrative songs that recount stories.

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What is 'Moda de viola' in Brazilian folk music?

Answer: A type of traditional folk music performed on the viola caipira or acoustic guitar.

Explanation: 'Moda de viola' refers to Brazilian folk music, typically performed on the viola caipira or acoustic guitar, often conveying themes of rural life.

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What is the significance of the drum in Plains Indian music?

Answer: It is central to the music, often called the 'heartbeat of Plains Indian music'.

Explanation: The drum holds a central and vital role in Plains Indian music, frequently referred to as the 'heartbeat of Plains Indian music'.

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What is the 'táncház' movement in Hungary known for?

Answer: Reviving folk traditions of music, dance, and costume through music clubs.

Explanation: The 'táncház' movement in Hungary is recognized for its efforts in reviving folk traditions of music, dance, and costume, often organized within music club settings.

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What is the 'Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices'?

Answer: A choir that won a Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Recording.

Explanation: The 'Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices' is a renowned female vocal choir that achieved international acclaim, including winning a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Recording.

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What is 'Romani music' often referred to as in the context of Balkan folk music?

Answer: Tallava and brass band music

Explanation: In the context of Balkan folk music, Romani music is frequently designated by terms such as 'tallava' and 'brass band' music.

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What is the 'polska' in Swedish folk music?

Answer: A signature music and dance form

Explanation: The 'polska' is recognized as the signature music and dance form characteristic of Swedish folk traditions.

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Folk Music in Social and Political Contexts

During the Great Depression, folk music became associated with political and social activism, with figures like Woody Guthrie influenced by communist ideals.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Great Depression era saw folk music become closely linked with political and social activism, with artists like Woody Guthrie embracing ideals that challenged the prevailing socio-economic structures.

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In the Eastern Bloc, national folk dancing was discouraged by the state and rarely toured internationally.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Eastern Bloc era, national folk dancing was often actively promoted by state entities, with numerous troupes undertaking international tours.

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How did folk music become intertwined with political and social movements in the 1930s?

Answer: It became associated with political and social activism, seen as a tool for reaching Americans.

Explanation: During the 1930s, folk music gained prominence as a vehicle for political and social activism, recognized for its capacity to connect with and mobilize American audiences.

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During the Eastern Bloc era, what was the state's role regarding national folk dancing?

Answer: It was actively promoted and troupes toured internationally.

Explanation: In many Eastern Bloc countries, national folk dancing was actively supported by the state, leading to the development of professional troupes that toured internationally.

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How do governments and international organizations protect regional music traditions?

Answer: Through measures like UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage program to prevent their disappearance.

Explanation: Governments and international bodies, such as through UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage program, implement measures to safeguard regional music traditions and prevent their potential loss.

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