The Decline of Children's Kurdish Traditional Games and Their Impact on Cultural Identity
Introduction
Cultural games are an integral part of each culture and society. Their loss or disappearance constitutes a threat to cultural identity. (1) In Kurdish society, children are occupied by playing games daily, and most of the games stray far from introducing and showing Kurdish culture, rather they generally reflect the values, languages, and traditions of other cultures, and this constitutes the biggest challenge to learning about one’s own culture and identity. The aim of this research is to shed light on this neglected subject, to identify the main causes for the reduced rates of children interacting with these games, and to find methods for their revival. This research also has potential to aid future generations in constructing strategies to overcome this issue.
Literature Review
There is a vast amount of research on the preservation of traditional games from all over the world, and they offer important insights. However, there is a noticeable gap in the literature regarding Kurdish culture and society. Recently, there has been emphasis on cultural preservation through traditional games. A notable publication is a comprehensive study from Indonesian authors entitled “Introducing traditional games for cultural preservation in Indonesia” (2023) (2) In their work, they emphasize on the social and educational benefits that come from participating in traditional games. While the research is insightful and emphasizes the benefits of traditional games and their impact on child development, it fails to address the problems imposed by globalization and technological advances regarding these traditional games. Due to this, there is a lack of explanation on the challenges and issues facing traditional games in new societies. This research specifically focuses on the theoretical benefits of traditional games, without pinpointing specific strategies that encourage youth and children to participate in these games. This limitation challenges the ability to implement their findings.
Regarding Kurdish society, most of the research available on traditional games are explanatory ones. They do not address the impact of traditional games on the construction of cultural identity. In doing this research, our understanding of preserving cultural identity through traditional games will deepen, and it will encourage the production of more research on this topic in the future.
Theoretical framework
Cultural identity is a complex composition, which comprises the distinct characteristics of a group of people (3). Those include language, religion, social traditions and norms and art. This has implications for the self-perception of individuals and how others perceive them, especially in terms of self-expression and external factors (4). These identities flourish through individual practices and social relations, in the light of social, political, and economic factors. Simultaneously, traditional games are a central component of any society’s culture. The games represent the society’s norms, traditions, and values (5). The relationship between cultural identity and traditional games is a strong one, seeing that those games have a function of transmitting culture, they strengthen cultural identity. The theory of cultural identity emphasizes the dynamic and multi-dimensional nature of identity formation. It highlights the role of cultural factors, actions, and social interactions in the interpretation of individual identity (6). The theory of cultural preservation offers a framework for understanding the acts and strategies which transmit culture from generation to generation through tradition, action, language, beliefs, and art forms. In the framework of this research regarding traditional games, the theory of cultural preservation is used to explain the diminishing and neglect of these games and attempts to revive them (7). The theory of games and playing explains how playing games is an important tool for children to learn, because it aids their cognitive abilities in terms of imagination, innovation, and symbolic thinking. As a result of children participating in these games, Kurdish children can imagine and know Kurdish traditions, norms, and history, as well as advance their social skills (8).
Traditional Kurdish Games
Traditional Kurdish Games are those which are passed down from generation to generation in Kurdish culture. These games are traditionally played at leisure times, especially during the long winter nights. The games can be categorized into 2 types: ‘Outside Games’ and ‘Home Games’ (9). Historically, village dwellers have practiced and preserved their cultural identity, and due to this, their values have been reflected and preserved through traditional games. This implies that the Kurdish individual has had a direct relationship with their environment, and this has helped them know themselves and preserve their identity. Studies show that there is a correlation between traditional games and the preservation of cultural identity (10) or that games have generally been tied to the formation of cultural identity.
Research Methods
This study was conducted using two methods for data collection: an online survey with 325 participants and interviews with 6 individuals who are knowledgeable on traditional games. Interview participants were from Duhok province. The purpose behind the online survey was to collect data and assess the stance of different age groups toward traditional Kurdish games. The survey is also beneficial for identifying the factors behind the decline of children’s participation in Kurdish games, a decline which threatens cultural identity. Interviews were conducted to gather insights and acquire a deeper understanding of the importance of traditional games, regarding their history and causes of their decline. Moreover, this study uses the descriptive statistics methods to analyze the data and assess the aptitude of the sample by using pie charts and graphs.
The Results of the Online Survey
The online survey had 325 participants, 54.8% of which were male while 45.2% were female. Most of the participants were aged between 18 to 44 years old. Most of them were residents of the Duhok province, which coincides with the area selected for this study.
Main findings
The majority of those surveyed (82.5%) believe that traditional games are important for the preservation of cultural identity. Most of this percentage are the youth, which indicates that despite the decline in participation of these games, there remains an awareness of their importance among the youth. For example, as the pie chart (1) shows, the survey responses regarding the importance of Kurdish games for the preservation of cultural identity, a minor percentage (3.4%) believe that they are of no importance.
Question: Do you believe Kurdish Cultural Games are important for the preservation of cultural identity? Participants offered insights on the decline of participation in Kurdish games. More than 94% identified that the main cause of the decline is the usage of technology like smartphones and video games. This trend reflects changes in leisure time activities, in which traditional games are seen as less appealing compared to digital exchanges. Other factors mentioned include lack of awareness regarding these games (40.6%) and a lack of opportunities to play these games in social settings (34.8%), perceiving traditional games as boring (21.8%). Table (1) illustrates the factors behind the decrease of interest in traditional games in children.
Participants also mentioned the importance of Kurdish games in terms of increased cultural awareness, strengthening social relations and physical activity. These games are not only perceived as leisure time activities, but they are also seen as important tools for learning cultural values and for social cohesion. In the second table, 71.7% of respondents indicate that Kurdish games are beneficial in terms of social interaction and bonding. Moreover, other benefits are identified which demonstrate the multidimensional roles of these games in cultural learning.
The information gathered from the open-ended questions of this survey uncovered the stories and memories of individuals relating to traditional Kurdish games. For example, one respondent said: “As children, we often played Chingane (traditional Kurdish game, similar to hide and seek), which taught us teamwork and strategizing”. These types of stories highlight the importance of these games for individuals and societies.
Recurring topics in the respondents’ answers are a feeling of loss and nostalgia toward these traditional games. Most traditions expressed their desire to see these games revived, not only as cultural heritage but also to reconnect with their childhood experiences. Furthermore, several participants suggested that these games be combined with modern technology, for example by creating mobile apps and online platforms, to make the games more appealing for the new generation.
Interview results
All interviewees emphasized the importance of traditional Kurdish games, they highlighted their importance as a central component of cultural identity and social culture. Additionally, they clarified that these games are not merely entertainment, but they are learning tools used to convey social and historical values and social relations. One of the experts and social researchers, Mohammed Amin Musa, known as ‘Kurmanc Chali’ said: “these games teach our children cooperation, respect and gentleness, much like a bridge that connects us to the past”. Similarly, a participant called ‘Parisa’, a schoolteacher, said: “ playing these games teaches us to understand the past and each other, as it is a part of our existence as humans”. A well-emphasized topic by interviewees was that the interests of youth have shifted, principally because of technological advances and urbanization. Participants also emphasized that the digital world, i.e.: electronic games and social media are causes for the reduced inclination to play traditional Kurdish games. A historical expert, ‘Kawa Mushakhti’ says: “Children in this age are more occupied with mobile games, learning traditional games is of no importance to them”. Another noteworthy point was mentioned, clarifying that without the provision of the required spaces and support, these games cannot adapt to the digital world and current technology.
Interviewees identified several obstacles to the revival of traditional games. One obstacle was the lack of documentation and standard rules for these games (each person plays the games differently). This prevents the new generation from learning and playing these games. A doctor in the Kurdish language, Kamiran Ibrahim, says: “ most of these games have been transmitted orally, and with less people playing them, knowledge on how to play them gets lost”. There is also a generational gap, because the elders who are knowledgeable on these games do not have the necessary tools or motivation to teach children. “This generational gap between the two generations needs to be overcome, to revive these traditions” mentioned Jabar Abdulrahman Qahar, an expert in sociology. Additionally, support from educational centers and cultural institutions to revive these games and integrate them in educational and social programs is lacking.
Despite these obstacles, there was a consensus among participants that traditional Kurdish games can be revived through strategic efforts. Participants referenced that combining these games with school and cultural activities can attract the attention of children. An elderly woman named ‘Asia Abdulrahman’ says: “If we can integrate these games in our schools, festivals, and homes, we can plant a love for these games in children’s hearts”. Moreover, it was recommended to use digital platforms to introduce these games and their rules, to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity.
The data collected during the interviews provide a valid understanding of the importance of traditional Kurdish games and the complex factors that lead to their decline. By combining the interview findings with those of the online survey (quantitative), this study offers a comprehensive reading of the state of traditional games in Kurdish society, as well as strategies for their revival.
Discussion
The research identifies various causes behind the declining interest and participation of children in Kurdish games. One of the main reasons is rapid changes and advances in technology, which have transformed children’s games and activities. The wide availability of electronics, social media, and digital games has very clearly affected children’s time and desire to participate in traditional games at home. Other important reasons identified are the lack of support for these games by governmental and educational agencies. Unlike previous generations, children of this age have little desire to learn games within the home and society. There is a wide gap between generational transmission of knowledge, and this is due to urbanization and changing family structures.
Strategies and the revival of traditional Kurdish games
The findings emphasize several measures to revive interest in playing traditional Kurdish games, and they consider a comprehensive approach including education, social participation, and benefiting from new technologies. Including these games in educational programs can help bridge the gap between generations and become a foundation for children to know and develop an affinity to their social culture. Additionally, cultural activities and festivals are seen as important tools that increase pride in one’s culture, and for the continuity of these cultural games.
It is possible for these activities to be an opportunity for both children and adults to interact, transmit knowledge and further their knowledge of their culture’s richness. Furthermore, using digital tools to create topics relevant to these games can attract the interest of children.
Conclusion
This study focuses on the factors underlying the decline of Kurdish children’s games in the Kurdistan region, especially among children. The research also identifies strategies that could aid in the revival of the games. The findings suggest that the decline of children’s games is attributed to; rapid transformations, rise of electronics, generational gaps. These factors impact children’s interests, have distanced children from activities that take place outside the home and have led to a loss of cultural identity. Nonetheless, the research offers strategies to encourage interest in such games again. These include educational and social efforts, and for these games to be integrated into the digital world, to introduce traditional games to children. The findings of the study are important to understanding the developments faced by Kurdish society. Furthermore, it highlights that support is required from social institutions. Reviving traditional games is aidful for strengthening social relations and cultural values, and they offer tools that connect generations. In preserving and reviving this Kurdish tradition, the Kurdish culture, which is rich and offers plentiful knowledge, can be better preserved for future generations.
References
[١] UNESCO. (2003). Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. UNESCO. 4-7.
[٢] Damayanti, S. N., Tiaraningrum, F. H., Nurefendi, J., & Lestari, E. Y. (2023). Pengenalan permainan tradisional untuk melestarikan budaya Indonesia. Jurnal Bina Desa.
[٣] Cultural Identity Theory. Communication Theory. 2014, September 8. https://www.communicationtheory.org/cultural-identity-theory/
[٤] brahim, F.A., Heuer, J.R. (2016). Cultural Identity: Components and Assessment. In: Cultural and Social
[٥] Civallero, E. (2007). Traditional games, music
and oral tradition- Intangible tools in multicultural libraries. National University of Córdoba, Argentina, 1-6.
[٦] Chen, V. H.-H. (2014). Cultural identity. Center for Intercultural Dialogue, Key Concepts in Intercultural Dialogue, No. 22.
[٧] De Clercq, R. (2021). The Importance of Cultural Preservation. Dissident Philosophers: Voices Against the Political Current of the Academy, 107.
[٨] Wood, D., Bruner, J. S., & Ross, G. (1976). The role of tutoring in problem solving. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 17(1), 89-100.
[٩] محمد کریم شریف. (١٩٧١). یارییەکانی کوردەواری. چاپخانەی (الشمال). کەرکوك. ٩-١٢
[١٠] Parlebas, P. (2023). Traditional games: Socialization and culture in Kabylie. In Traditional games as intangible cultural heritage (pp. 195-210). IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84467