Global folk narratives have evolved in tandem with the development of human civilization and remain a vital part of cultural heritage worldwide. However, numerous traditional art forms, including Terengganu’s folk songs, are experiencing a decline due to the forces of modernization, technological advancement, and the waning of oral traditions. This study is driven by the need to preserve and reinterpret these folk songs as living cultural narratives that embody Malaysia’s intangible heritage. Concentrating on the state of Terengganu, the research explores the folk narratives embedded in traditional songs to identify their thematic structures, symbolic meanings, and socio-cultural functions. Employing an ethnographic approach supported by interviews and participant observation, the collected data were analysed qualitatively using NVivo 12. The findings indicate that these folk narratives are multifaceted, reflecting the people’s beliefs, values, moral consciousness, and even subtle political undertones. This study contributes to sustaining and enriching Malay oral literature by documenting and interpreting the thematic depth of Terengganu’s folk songs, thereby providing a foundation for future scholarship in cultural studies and heritage preservation.
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