1. Oral History records ancestors recited inherited folklore

2. records: written accounts The first people to keep records and write down the history and stories of their ancestors were probably the ancient Egyptians and the Chinese. Some families keep written records in journals to pass down through the generations.

3. ancestors: people from whom one is descended The first people to keep records and write down the history and stories of their ancestors were probably the ancient Egyptians and the Chinese. My uncle traced our ancestors back ten generations.

4. recited: repeated from memory Members of a tribe or clan gathered around campfires and recited poetry and songs. My little sister recited a poem she had memorized for a school show.

5. inherited: received property or money of a person who has died One report tells of a New Zealand tribal chief who had to recite the story of his people-- thirty-four generations worth--in order to prove his right to land he had inherited. I inherited most of my clothes from my older brother once he outgrew them.

6. folklore: tales of traditions handed down from one generation to the next These students collected stories and songs, and mountain folklore from neighbors, family members, and other people who lived in their part of the Appalachian Mountains. Fables and fairy tales are types of folklore.