The Protection And Inheritance Of Uyghur Local Botanical Knowledge

Local botanical knowledge not only reflects the diversity of regional plant life in Xinjiang,but also plays a crucial role in both the material and spiritual lives of the Uyghur people.Following the ever hastening development of science in the region,a great deal of Xinjiang Uyghur local botanical knowledge is gradually being forgotten,making it a necessity for scholars to undertake survey,rescue and protection schemes.This paper takes its theoretical basis from the academic fields of Ethnobotany and Folklore and through the combination of both theory and practical on-site surveys,the author strives to not only present a series of practical suggestions for the correct usage and healthy development of local plant life,but also to play a guiding role in the rescue and protection of Uyghur indigenous knowledge.This paper focuses its investigation on local botanical knowledge in Ushaqbash Township,Yecheng(Kargilik)County,Kashgar,Xinjiang and shall utilise a wide range of interdisciplinary research methodologies,such as participant observation,on-site investigation,with aim to analyse and gain a more in-depth understanding into the traditional naming of plants,the use of plant life in material and spiritual folk culture and the protection and inheritance of local botanical knowledge.The introduction discusses both the aim and significance of research and provides an insight into the field of ethnobotany and its current research trends.In addition to this,it also states the major site of investigation and the author's methodology.Chapter One investigates the way in which Uyghurs have given names to local plant life in Ushaqbash Township and the inclusion of these in the names of people and places in the area.Chapter Two discusses the use of plants in Ushaqbash Township's local material folk culture,such as in food,clothing,architecture and local handicraft skills.Chapter Three examines the use of plants in Ushaqbash Township's spiritual folk culture,focusing on aspects such as plant worship and taboo.Chapter Four focuses on the protection and inheritance of local botanical knowledge,commenting in detail upon the difficulties being faced and providing possible solutions.Through its investigation and analysis of the current state of local botanical knowledge amongst the Uyghurs,it is hoped that this paper can act as a point of reference for future researchers of the topic.