1. Different styles and characteristics

Chinese folk songs: often have a narrative style, and are mostly lyrical in narrative.

Foreign folk songs: generally have the style of Zhuowu, and mostly express lyrical feelings in Zhuowu.

2. Different expression methods

Chinese folk songs: The expression is direct and straightforward, and the lyrical aspect is also straightforward. The likes and dislikes, praise and blame, and emotions in folk songs are all directly and undoubtedly expressed. .

Foreign folk songs: A little subtle, often making insinuations or using certain techniques to pursue an indirect expression.

3. Different music forms

Chinese folk songs: focus on embodying a dynamic beauty, showing a more vivid and enthusiastic picture, and the music form is also richer.

Foreign folk songs: Pay more attention to static beauty, the pictures presented are quieter and deeper, and the melody of the music also pursues soothing and simplicity.

The role of Chinese folk songs:

Folk songs are closely related to the lives of our people. They run through all stages of life, cover different aspects of life, and become an indispensable part of people’s lives. part. In addition to entertainment, it also has many practical functions in social life.

Education and inheritance function: Among some ethnic minorities in my country, there are folk songs that sing long narrative poems and historical poems, such as "Mei Ge" by the Yi people, "Ancient Songs" by the Miao people, and "Pan Wang" by the Yao people. Song", Hani people's "Creation Song", Jingpo people's "Munaozhaiwa", Dulong people's "Creation", Lisu people's "Muguji" and so on.

These songs describe ancient myths and legends about the origin of the universe and mankind, the ancestors' understanding of some natural phenomena, and knowledge of history, production, life and etiquette. These songs have less ups and downs in tunes, are highly recitative, and are long in length. Some of the lyrics are tens of thousands of lines long, and it usually takes hours or even days to sing them all.

These songs are often sung by wizards or respected old people during festivals, sacrifices, weddings and funerals, and the atmosphere is solemn.