ORAL LITERATURES Meaning and
Definition
-
Oral literatures refer to the traditional forms of storytelling, poetry, and other written expressions that are transmitted orally from one generation to another within a specific cultural or ethnic group. This includes various narrative forms, such as myths, legends, folktales, and epics, as well as songs, chants, and rituals that are performed and recited without the aid of written texts.
Unlike written literatures, oral literatures are primarily conveyed through spoken words, gestures, and intonations, relying on the memory and oral skills of the storyteller or performer. They often serve as cultural repositories, preserving the history, values, customs, and knowledge of a particular community. Oral literatures can be found in diverse societies worldwide, including Native American, African, Asian, and Indigenous cultures.
The significance of oral literatures lies in their ability to transmit important cultural and social information, including moral codes, cultural beliefs, cosmologies, and historical events, across generations. They contribute to the collective memory and identity of a community, reinforcing social cohesion and reinforcing shared practices and beliefs.
Oral literatures are both shared and performed, often involving audience participation and engagement. They serve not only as entertainment but also as a means of education and socialization, teaching essential life lessons and values. They also provide a platform for language development and preservation, allowing for the continuation of indigenous or endangered languages.
In recent years, oral literatures have received increased recognition and appreciation as valuable cultural heritage, contributing to a richer understanding of the world's diverse cultures and promoting intercultural dialogue.
Common Misspellings for ORAL LITERATURES
- orl literature
- iral literatures
- kral literatures
- lral literatures
- pral literatures
- 0ral literatures
- 9ral literatures
- oeal literatures
- odal literatures
- ofal literatures
- otal literatures
- o5al literatures
- o4al literatures
- orzl literatures
- orsl literatures
- orwl literatures
- orql literatures
- orak literatures
- orap literatures
- orao literatures
Etymology of ORAL LITERATURES
The etymology of the word "oral literatures" can be broken down as follows:
1. Oral: The word "oral" originates from the Latin word "ōrālis", which means "spoken". It entered the English language in the late 14th century and refers to anything related to spoken communication or speech.
2. Literatures: The word "literatures" is derived from the Latin word "littera", meaning "letter" or "written work". It entered the English language in the late 14th century and refers to written or printed material that holds artistic or intellectual value.
When combined, the term "oral literatures" refers to the body of traditional stories, songs, myths, and other forms of cultural expression passed down verbally from one generation to another, without being recorded in written form.
