What role does the oral tradition play in folklore?
Much of folklore has come down through the ages from preliterate peoples.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oral_tradition
The oral tradition plays a crucial role in folklore, as it is the primary means through which folklore is transmitted and preserved. Folklore refers to the traditional beliefs, customs, stories, and legends of a particular culture or community, and it typically exists in an oral form before being written down or documented.
The oral tradition refers to the passing down of knowledge, stories, and cultural practices through spoken language from one generation to another. In the context of folklore, it involves the transmission of folktales, myths, legends, songs, riddles, proverbs, and other forms of storytelling without the use of written documents.
There are several reasons why the oral tradition is essential in the context of folklore:
1. Preservation: Before the advent of writing and literature, oral traditions were the primary means of preserving cultural heritage. By passing down stories, beliefs, and practices through generations, the oral tradition helps to keep traditions alive and maintain a sense of cultural identity.
2. Adaptability: Oral traditions are flexible and adaptable. As stories are told and retold over time, they naturally evolve and adapt to suit the needs and interests of the community. This adaptability allows folklore to remain relevant in different social and historical contexts.
3. Performance and Participation: Folklore in oral traditions often involves live storytelling or performances. This creates a sense of active participation and engagement among the audience. Listeners or participants can interact with the storyteller, ask questions, and contribute to the development of the story, keeping the tradition dynamic and interactive.
4. Cultural Transmission: The oral tradition enables the transmission of cultural values, wisdom, and knowledge from one generation to the next. Folklore often carries moral lessons, societal norms, and shared experiences that are passed down through stories, songs, and proverbs, fostering a sense of community and identity.
To explore the role of oral tradition in folklore, one can engage in various research methods. These may include:
1. Fieldwork and Interviews: Conducting interviews with members of a particular community or culture who are knowledgeable about their folklore. Documenting their personal experiences and stories can provide insights into the role of the oral tradition.
2. Document Archival: Exploring existing collections of documented oral traditions, such as audio or video recordings, texts, or transcriptions. These archives may be available in libraries, ethnographic museums, or digital repositories.
3. Participatory Observation: Attending cultural festivals, storytelling events, or gatherings where oral traditions are showcased. Observing the performances and interactions between storytellers and the audience can provide valuable insights.
By combining these research methods, scholars, folklorists, and enthusiasts can gain a deeper understanding of the role of oral tradition in preserving and transmitting folklore.