What the study found
The study found that digital technologies can support the preservation of Yi wedding customs. It also reports that these tools can improve the accuracy, interactivity, and educational value of cultural documentation.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors suggest this matters for the sustainable preservation of intangible cultural heritage, which means living traditions and cultural practices. They also state that the findings align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and offer theoretical insights and practical guidance.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used fieldwork in Meigu and Zhaojue counties to document the Kezhi debate and wedding rituals. They evaluated 3D motion capture, virtual reality (VR), and digital archives as tools for cultural documentation, and they proposed a Technology–Institution–Agency model.
What worked and what didn't
The study says digital technologies can support preservation of Yi wedding customs, strengthen cultural identity among Yi youth, improve cultural education outcomes, and attract external visitors. It also notes risks of cultural simplification and misrepresentation.
What to keep in mind
The summary does not provide detailed measures, sample sizes, or comparative performance data for the digital tools. The abstract also notes risks of simplification and misrepresentation, but it does not describe how strongly these risks affected the project.
Key points
- The study focuses on the digital transformation of intangible cultural heritage using Yi wedding customs in China as a case study.
- 3D motion capture, virtual reality, and digital archives were assessed for their value in cultural documentation.
- The authors propose a Technology–Institution–Agency model linking digital innovation, governance, and cultural bearer participation.
- The findings indicate digital technologies can help preserve Yi wedding customs and improve cultural education outcomes.
- The abstract notes risks of cultural simplification and misrepresentation.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Digital tools support preservation of Yi wedding customs
- Authors:
- Yan Luo, Nadiatul Shakinah Abdul Rahman, Mohamad Luthfi bin Abdul Rahman
- Institutions:
- Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Xichang University
- Publication date:
- 2026-06-27
- OpenAlex record:
- View
Get the weekly research newsletter
Stay current with scholarly research without reading academic papers — one filtered digest, every Friday.