Performing Identities in Flux: The Erhu as a Cultural Mediator in the Dynamics of Tradition, Modernity, and Globalization

Erhu, as one of the representatives of traditional Chinese bowstring instruments, has long been a symbol of Chinese cultural heritage. However, in the context of the rapid development of modernization and globalization, its role has been greatly impacted and transformed. Considering the ongoing academic debate on the future development of erhu performance, this paper constructs a theoretical model, the Erhu Cultural Mediation Framework, to explore the mediating role of the erhu in the intersection of tradition, modernity, and globalization. This theoretical model challenges the static concept of cultural identity, showing that the erhu is a place where different cultures encounter, and its cultural identity is constantly reconstructed in each performance. By situating the erhu within a discussion of identity, performance, and globalization, this paper provides a new theoretical perspective for understanding how traditional music adapts to the forces of modernity and globalization, and mediates the tension between preserving heritage and embracing the effects of globalization. Therefore, the Erhu Cultural Mediation Framework provides a valuable way to examine the complexity of cultural identity in the era of globalization and provides a research basis for other traditional arts in similar situations.