FOLK LITERATURE Meaning and
Definition
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Folk literature refers to a collection of traditional narratives, legends, myths, fables, and other literary forms that have been passed down orally or through various popular mediums within a particular culture or society. It encompasses the creations of folkloric traditions and represents the cultural heritage of a community, often reflecting its customs, beliefs, values, and history.
The term "folk" suggests an organic and communal nature, highlighting the connection between the literature and the common people from whom it originated. Folk literature is not limited to a specific time period or geographical region, as numerous cultures around the world possess their own unique folk traditions.
These stories are typically shared and transmitted orally from one generation to the next, and as such, they often undergo variations and adaptations, making them dynamic and evolving in nature. However, folk literature can also be found in written form, especially in more contemporary times.
One of the key characteristics of folk literature is its universality, as it deals with themes and motifs that resonate with human experiences, such as love, heroism, betrayal, and moral lessons. Additionally, folk literature often employs imaginative and symbolic elements to entertain, educate, and provide a commentary on society.
In summary, folk literature is a rich tapestry of traditional narratives and literary expressions that springs from the collective imagination of a community, transcending time and borders, and serves as a medium for preserving cultural heritage and conveying timeless lessons and values.
Common Misspellings for FOLK LITERATURE
- dolk literature
- colk literature
- volk literature
- golk literature
- tolk literature
- rolk literature
- filk literature
- fklk literature
- fllk literature
- fplk literature
- f0lk literature
- f9lk literature
- fokk literature
- fopk literature
- fook literature
- folj literature
- folm literature
- foll literature
- folo literature
- foli literature
Etymology of FOLK LITERATURE
The term "folk literature" is composed of two separate words: "folk" and "literature".
1. Folk: The word "folk" comes from the Old English word "folc", which meant "the common people" or "the people of a nation". It is derived from the Germanic language family and is related to the Old Norse word "folk".
2. Literature: The word "literature" has its roots in the Latin word "litteratura", which referred to any written work or learning. It evolved from the Latin word "littera", meaning "letter" or "written character".
Therefore, the etymology of "folk literature" combines the concept of "folk" representing the common people and "literature" referring to written or oral creative works.
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