Manaschi: The Singer of the Kirghiz Epic Manas

This book focuses on its developments and variations of performances of manaschï, the epic poet of Manas. The book mainly introduces the collective features of manaschï, their shaman characters, social positions and their influences upon the life and ideology of the Kirghiz people. The author studies the space and time limits for the epic performing as well as the taboos during performances. Besides, the analysis of the Manas text, its formulaic features and formulaic diction are also given in the book. The author put oral epics into the live performances, and treat the epic singing as part of cultural folklore activities. The author believes that Manas is in constant development and variation due to its oral nature.