Personal songs of Nanai as the source of historical memory

The article deals with personal songs, recorded from Nanai of the Khabarovsk Territory, from the perspective of of how historical events and facts that affect the lives of individuals and the whole nation are reflected in songs. In their personal songs Nanai accurately report the facts of their biography, often linking them with known dates and historical events. The most significant of these events are participation of the authors-performers of songs and their families in the Great Patriotic War, their work in the rear during the war, as well as long trips and travels. Less common are the stories of the performers about their work in state farms and their public activities. The texts reflect a double opposition: “youth – old age” and “good life – bad life”. The performers try to remember as precisely as possible and to report the facts of their biographies, seeing it as the value of personal experience enshrined in the song.