Chaozhou Songbook (Gece)

The Chaozhou songbook is a folk narrative chant in the Chaozhou dialect, recited from a 'gece' text to set tunes; its content ranges from long tales such as the 'Romance of the Sui and Tang' to short songs of knowledge and moral instruction. It entered the second batch of national ICH in 2008.

Built mainly on rhymed seven-character lines, it can be recited solo or chanted in turns; in earlier times literate women would chant it while working, cooling off or celebrating, with neighbours gathered round to listen — no instruments, the delivery plain and intimate.

The songbook was an important vehicle of culture, entertainment and moral teaching for Chaoshan women of the past, carrying historical tales, ethical ideas and the beauty of the dialect — living material for the study of Chaoshan society and women's lives.

Songbook chanting can still be heard at ICH performances in Chaozhou's community settings and cultural centres.