Preserving the Hezhe voices

Dedicated inheritor

In recent years, Hezhe inheritors have taken up the mission of preserving Yimakan, breathing new life into this ancient art form. One such person is You Mingfang, a 60-year-old woman who is part of the ongoing effort to safeguard and pass on the tradition of Yimakan.

A seasoned performer and educator, You is one of the few Hezhe artists who teach and perform Yimakan, ensuring its survival for future generations.

Born and raised in Tongjiang, You was immersed in Hezhe culture from a young age. Her childhood was filled with the sounds of her elders speaking Hezhe, a language that, despite the challenges of modern times, has always been a cornerstone of her family life.

"I grew up learning the Hezhe language with my father. When I was little, my father would lie in bed with us, and we practiced speaking it together," she recalls.

The art of Yimakan was passed down to her through oral tradition, deeply ingrained in the everyday life of the community.