Why was the oral tradition important in Africa?

A.) It was a ritual believed to bring rainfall.

B.) It was used to communicate with the king.

C.) It helped pass traditions to younger generations

D.) It helped ensure the success of the gold-salt trade.

E.) It helped develop communication between tribes.

Pretty confused none of this information is in my textbook.

The oral tradition is the act of passing on knowledge by word of mouth. It's important because in a preliterate society, it teaches young people the traditions of their families and tribes.

Thank you so much I figured it had to be that one the other ones didn't make sense!

You are very welcome.

C. I think

i still don't understand

Why was the oral tradition important in Africa?

A.
It was a ritual believed to bring rainfall.
B.
It was used to communicate with the king.
C.
It helped pass traditions to younger generations.
D.
It helped ensure the success of the gold-salt trade.
E.
It helped develop communication between tribes.

To find the answer to this question, you can use various resources such as textbooks, reliable websites, or reference materials. Since you mentioned that the information is not in your textbook, I can provide an explanation to help you understand the importance of oral tradition in Africa.

The correct answer to the question is C.) It helped pass traditions to younger generations.

Explanation:
Oral tradition played a crucial role in African societies for a variety of reasons. One significant reason was its role in passing down cultural traditions, customs, beliefs, and historical events from one generation to the next. In many African communities, there was no written language until the arrival of Europeans. Therefore, oral tradition was the primary method of transferring knowledge and cultural heritage.

By orally transmitting information, including stories, songs, proverbs, and religious practices, from elders to younger members of the society, African communities were able to preserve and sustain their cultural identity. This helped maintain a sense of communal cohesion and pride.

Additionally, the oral tradition allowed for creativity and flexibility in storytelling. African griots (professional storytellers) would orally recount historical events, epic tales, and important cultural narratives. This ensured that the stories were adapted and tailored to the specific audience, keeping the tradition alive and engaging.

Furthermore, oral tradition served as a means of social and political cohesion within a community. It allowed for the sharing of collective memories, myths, and legends, promoting a strong sense of belonging and a shared cultural heritage.

It is important to remember that while oral tradition played a significant role in African societies, the exact reasons for its importance varied across different regions and ethnic groups within Africa. Therefore, further research and exploration of reliable resources will provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.