Abstract

As a distinctive form of oral culture, the Miao people's Jiali embodies a wealth of local knowledge, including social, cultural, and historical dimensions. In addition to explicit knowledge, Jiali comprises a substantial reservoir of tacit knowledge, which is acquired through the master-apprentice inheritance process and practical activities. This tacit knowledge is the core of the cultural essence of Jiali. Such tacit knowledge is evident in the adaptability of rituals' performance and the survival wisdom embedded in the Miao culture. It is transmitted through bodily experience, contextualized practices, and individual intuitive perceptions. However, the inheritance of Jiali's tacit knowledge is confronted with notable challenges due to modernization. The traditional ritual settings in which this knowledge is transmitted are gradually being superseded by modern education and commercialized activities. Through ethnographic fieldwork in Miao communities, this study combines participant observation, and semi-structured interviews with Jiali masters and community members. Data collection also involved documenting rituals and analyzing Jiali texts. The findings highlight the characteristics of tacit knowledge within Jiali and the challenges to its inheritance. Based on these findings, this study further proposes strategies for inheritance, ensuring its vitality and continuity in contemporary society. These include re-evaluating traditional culture, enhancing the status of Jiali masters, and reconstructing cultural contexts.

Keywords: Miao’s Jiali, Tacit knowledge, Inheritance challenges, Optimisation strategies