Ancient Rhythm in the Age of Acceleration: Nanyin as a Mediated Practice for Reconstructing the Order of Time

Abstract

Focusing on the "living fossil" of Chinese traditional music, Nanyin, this study investigates how individuals can reconstruct a positive temporal order amidst the accelerated time crisis. Employing a media archaeological perspective distinct from previous studies primarily examining new media technologies and human embodiment resistance, this study seeks novel avenues and inspirations by exploring people's utilization of traditional media. Qualitative research methods were adopted in this study, including ethnographic surveys combined online and offline, and in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 interviewees who listened and watched Nanyin deeply through screening. The findings reveal that Nanyin, through its special musical characteristics, visual performance and the overall temperament built by these, affects people's perception of time, guiding them from an accelerated, superficial and fragmented temporal state towards a slower-paced, profounder, and more durable temporal order. This influence is closely related to Nanyin's promotion of people's mental healing, meditative space creation and deep self exploration. At the end of the study, we discuss the limited role of Nanyin and it also inspires using traditional cultural to deal with problems of accelerating modernization.