Baškortostani udmurtide folkloor: žanriline iseloomustus, kogumislugu, käibimise iseärasused tänapäeval

The article discusses the peculiarities of the folklore genres of the Udmurts living in the Republic of Bashkortostan, Russian Federation, the history of the collection, publication and research of folklore, as well as its modern circulation. The folklore traditions of this ethnic group, separated from the motherland, have been subjected to Turkish influence, yet at the same time have preserved many archaic features. Loyalty to traditional folk beliefs adds uniqueness to their folklore. The folklore of this ethnic group has not been widely studied, and no collections or monographs have been published. Recently research into their folk prayers and ritual songs has started. Today, due to the shrinking of the authentic environment necessary for keeping it alive, folklore (mainly songs) has moved to the stage. Amateur ensembles, teachers of the Udmurt language and literature, staff of community centres, librarians, and local lore researchers play a significant role in the preservation of local folklore specimens.