NATIONAL COSTUME ‑ A SYMBOL OF CULTURAL IDENTITY

Abstract

In
the
context
of
modernization
and
globalization,
national
costume
emerges
as
a
unique
cultural
symbol
that
 reflects
not
only
the
external
appearance
but
also
the
inner
spirit
of
a
nation.
National
costume
is
not
merely
 traditional
attire;
it
is
the
result
of
a
symbolic
process
in
which
clothing
is
redefined
and
elevated
to
represent
 national
identity
in
the
global
dialogue
space.
This
article
approaches
the
concept
of
national
costume
from
an
 interdisciplinary
perspective,
combining
semiotics,
identity
theory,
and
cultural
anthropology
to
analyze
the
 factors
that
construct
the
form
of
“national
costume”
and
its
role
in
expressing
and
reproducing
national
identity.
 The
article
clarifies
the
concept
of
national
costume
as
a
signifying
system
with
historical,
political,
and
aesthetic
 dimensions,
while
tracing
its
evolution
from
folk
garments
to
national
symbols.
Additionally,
the
study
examines
 national
costume
in
relation
to
discursive
power,
transformation
in
globalization,
and
its
function
as
a
cultural
 symbol
in
shaping
identity
and
expressing
cultural
strategies
of
contemporary
nations.