The concept of oral narratives.

Anthropology

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Oral narratives are stories, myths, legends, histories, or other forms of cultural knowledge that are passed down verbally from one generation to another, rather than through written texts.

These narratives are characterized by:

  • Oral transmission: They are spoken, sung, or performed, often with gestures and intonation, rather than read.
  • Fluidity and adaptability: They can change and evolve over time and with each retelling, adapting to new contexts or audiences.
  • Community focus: They often reflect the values, beliefs, and history of a particular community or culture.
  • Performance aspect: The teller's skill in delivery, memory, and improvisation is crucial to their impact.
  • Cultural preservation: They serve as a primary means of preserving history, traditions, moral lessons, and cultural identity in societies without a written language or where literacy is not widespread.

Examples include folktales, epic poems, creation myths, family histories, and traditional songs.

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