The spelling of the word "oral record" is straightforward. The first part, "oral," is spelled /ɔːrəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. It refers to spoken communication, as opposed to written or recorded. The second part, "record," is spelled /rɪˈkɔːrd/, with the stress on the second syllable. It means a document, account, or memory of something. "Oral record" therefore refers to information that has been passed down through spoken stories, rather than written down. This type of record-keeping was common in many cultures before the advent of widespread literacy.
An oral record refers to the documentation or preservation of information, knowledge, or events through spoken or verbal means rather than written or textual forms. It encompasses the tradition of transmitting, recounting, and preserving knowledge, stories, histories, cultural practices, and other aspects of human experiences through oral communication. Oral records are typically passed down from generation to generation within societies that rely heavily on spoken language as a means of communication and memory.
These records often take the form of oral narratives, myths, legends, folktales, songs, chants, proverbs, or rituals that are performed or recited by members of a community. They serve as a vital resource for understanding the past, cultural practices, social norms, and the overall heritage of a particular group or society. Oral records are highly significant in preserving and transmitting knowledge in cultures where formal written records may be lacking or become obsolete due to various factors.
However, it is important to recognize that oral records can be vulnerable to degradation or loss over time, as they rely heavily on memory and human transmission. Factors such as changing social dynamics, globalization, urbanization, language shift, and the influence of modern technologies can also impact the preservation and accessibility of oral records. Efforts are therefore often made to document, record, transcribe, and archive oral records to ensure their longevity and accessibility for future generations.
The word "oral" derives from the Latin word "ōrālis", which means "spoken, of the mouth" and is related to the Latin word "ōs", meaning "mouth". "Record" comes from the Latin word "recordārī", which means "to remember", and is formed from the combination of "re-" (back, again) and "cor" (heart). Hence, the term "oral record" refers to information or history passed down verbally or through spoken communication, emphasizing the act of remembering and transmitting knowledge orally rather than through written or visual means.