Research On The Memory Production Of Modern Chinese Genealogy From The Perspective Of Media

Water has its roots,wood has its roots,spring is dewy,autumn is frosty.It is advisable to be cautious in ending and pursue those who are far away.It is the spirit of the Chinese nation to be cautious in pursuing one’s ancestors and never forget them.As an important historical document,the research on genealogy in the historical field has become relatively mature,but the communication academia still lacks attention to this important medium.On the basis of extensive collection of modern genealogy literature,this study focuses on examining the media nature of genealogy from a media perspective,and provides a detailed analysis of its production process.Finally,it analyzes the modern transformation and significance of genealogy media.This article elaborates on the following four questions in sequence through the use of literature analysis and interview methods;What is the role and status of genealogy between the rupture and continuation of lineage memory? How is genealogy used as a medium for memory production? What power relationships are involved behind memory production? In the process of encountering modernity,what evolution has the genealogy undergone?This article mainly discusses from four parts.The first chapter mainly interprets the media nature of genealogy,mainly discussing the forms,types,and characteristics of genealogy media.Research has found that genealogy is a memory medium,and it is through genealogy that ancestral memory can break through the limitations of individual memory and be passed down from generation to generation.The genealogy media has undergone a process of morphological evolution from spoken language to text.According to the different editing subjects and purposes,the genealogy media can be divided into official genealogy editing and private genealogy editing.Research suggests that genealogies have three characteristics;mystery,continuity,and patrilinealism.After reviewing the basic characteristics of genealogy media,the second chapter mainly discusses the memory mechanism of genealogy media.Research has found that genealogy is mainly memorized through three methods;text,ceremony,and symbol.Genealogy first exists as a "material" text,which serves as a carrier for storing ancestral memories,recording the origin of ancestors,lineages,family rules,lineage relationships,and other contents.The genealogy ceremony is the most effective form of awakening memory,and also an important way to shape and strengthen family identity.In addition,the genealogy is also a symbol of ancestors and has sanctity.Through the reconstruction of ancestral memories and the creation of ancestral myths,family members can adjust their identities and appropriate words and actions to obtain benefits or shelter.The production of memory is related to power.After sorting out the path of memory production in genealogical media,this study further analyzes the power subjects involved in the production of genealogical memory in the third chapter,discussing the power relationship network connected by genealogical media,mainly involving three levels;the state,internal family,and new external forces.Research has found that the reason why genealogies have such strong vitality is not only due to the belief and worship of ancestors and "roots",but also because they are part of the construction of national order;The elders and elites in the family hold the "writing power" and Writing roles.In the past,genealogies were mainly edited by clan chiefs,but now they are jointly undertaken by various elites.Behind the changes from elders to new elites,there is a shift in the role of family leaders and the transfer of discourse power under the changing times.In addition,a new group of participants are joining the practice of genealogy memory construction,who are excellent family women,knowledgeable experts,and experienced professional genealogists.The fourth chapter examines the evolution of family tree memory production in modern times from the perspective of media changes,and finds that it actively seeks coupling with the new era in terms of media form,content,and practice.It presents new directions in guiding ideology,style,chronological methods,language forms,and network kinship construction.During this process,the introduction of modern ideas in genealogy has led to significant changes in its discourse orientation and value dissemination,spreading gender equality,modern professional values,and new family concepts.However,amidst the constraints of urbanization,industrialization,and commercialization,the current family tree still faces a huge crisis.Through in-depth research on genealogy,this article believes that in the continuity and fragmentation of lineage memory,genealogy plays an important memory role as a medium.On the one hand,through three mechanisms;textual memory,ritual memory,and cultural symbolic memory,genealogy achieves the long-term inheritance of ancestral memories over time;On the other hand,in its production and use,genealogy as a medium itself also connects individuals,families,and even countries.