upgrade

🌄world literature ii review

key term - Oral tradition

Citation:

Definition

Oral tradition refers to the practice of passing down stories, histories, and cultural knowledge through spoken word rather than written text. This form of storytelling is vital in many cultures, serving as a primary means of preserving identity, values, and social norms, especially in societies where literacy is limited or non-existent.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Oral traditions are crucial for preserving the histories and identities of cultures that may not have a written language, ensuring that their stories survive through generations.
  2. In many African and Indigenous cultures, oral tradition serves not only as entertainment but also as a means of education, teaching moral lessons and cultural values.
  3. Oral traditions can evolve over time, with storytellers adding their own interpretations or adapting tales to fit contemporary contexts while retaining core elements.
  4. The practice of oral tradition often involves communal participation, where audiences engage with the storyteller through call-and-response techniques, enhancing the shared experience.
  5. Modern technology has begun to impact oral traditions, as recordings and digital media offer new ways to preserve and disseminate these important cultural narratives.

Review Questions

  • How does oral tradition function as a means of cultural preservation in societies with limited written records?
    • Oral tradition serves as a vital tool for cultural preservation by allowing communities to pass down their histories, beliefs, and values through storytelling. This method ensures that knowledge remains accessible and relevant despite the absence of written documentation. By engaging listeners in a dynamic manner, oral traditions keep cultural practices alive and foster a sense of identity within the community.
  • Discuss the role of storytellers within oral traditions and how they influence the narratives being shared.
    • Storytellers play a central role in oral traditions as they are responsible for conveying stories in ways that resonate with their audiences. They have the power to interpret tales, infusing them with personal experiences or contemporary relevance while adhering to cultural norms. This influence shapes the narratives being shared, ensuring they remain lively and engaging across generations.
  • Evaluate the impact of modern technology on oral traditions and how it alters their transmission across cultures.
    • Modern technology has significantly transformed oral traditions by introducing new methods for recording and sharing stories. While this allows for greater preservation and accessibility of these narratives, it also raises questions about authenticity and cultural ownership. The shift from purely spoken word to digital formats can lead to both opportunities for wider dissemination of cultural heritage and challenges in maintaining the communal aspect that defines traditional storytelling.