Research questions, claims and methodology

Andrena Ng (S-A3-1900-3)

Project topic: Compare and examine national costumes of China, Japan, Korea and India.

Research questions:

• How do the costumes become the national costumes of these countries? What is the history behind these costumes?
• How do they represent their country in terms of culture and identity? What makes them feature largely in these countries? What makes them so special and significant that people wear them as a symbol that embodies the image of the whole nation?
• What role do they play in the daily lives of these people? Why and when will they choose to wear them? What are the purposes of wearing them?
• Find out some similarities and differences between the costumes of these countries. How are they different or how are they alike? How do these differences reflect the cultural differences between these countries?
• How have these costumes changed over time (for example in terms of design and tailoring)? How have people changed their view towards them as time goes by?
• How is the idea of nationalism being incorporated in the costumes?
• How is the gendered representation of a nation being reflected through costumes?

Claims:

• Every country has its national costume which represents its own particular culture and identity. The costumes usually relate to a geographic area and they carry a significant meaning. They can also indicate social, marital and religious status.
• National costume does not only mean to differentiate a country from the other. It helps to uphold a country’s dignity, preserves its own value and culture, as well as impresses others to learn more about their country.
• People usually wear them during rituals, festivals and even during marriage ceremony. This shows that national costumes play a very significant role in their daily lives.
• In China, there are many minorities and each of them has their unique costume. However, Chinese generally reckon cheongsam as their national costume. Perhaps we can say that majority wins but I think people’s choice may also reflect the ideology of the country.
• Nowadays, national costume has experienced some changes in terms of the style, the design and tailoring. It has become a fusion of fashion and tradition. Its impact can be found on the media and the fashion industry.
• The issue of gender representation is involved in national costumes. National costumes not only reflect the idea of nationalism, but also reveal the idea of gender of the nation.

Methodology in conducting the project:

• Data will largely be collected through the internet, relevant reference books and documentary.
• I also intend to interview people from those countries.
• My presentation will be made up of slideshows, pictures and short clips.