Oral Tradition

Oral Tradition Definition: A culture’s _____________________________passed down by word-of-mouth Oral Transmission:

Types of Oral Literature Myths-

Types of Oral Literature ________________- stories coming down from the past, often based on real events or characters from older times. Regarded as h___________________ Usually contain fantastic or unverifiable elements

Types of Oral Literature Folk Tales- NOTE: Many types of oral literature cross over into different categories

Types of Oral Literature Tall Tales A type of folktale Usually light-hearted or _________________ Contain ________________________________, ________________ elements

Types of Oral Literature Fairy Tales-

Types of Oral Literature _______________-very brief stories total to teach a moral lesson

Types of Oral Literature Fables-

Types of Oral Literature Folk Songs-traditional or composed songs typically made up of stanzas, a refrain or a simple melody Expressions of commonly shared ideas or feelings Usually narrative or lyric in style Anonymous songs that have been transmitted orally

Types of Oral Literature Spirituals-religious songs from African-American folk tradition

Types of Oral Literature Epics-long stories, often told in verse, involving heroes and gods. Usually have anonymous authors Grand in length and scope Provides a portrait of an entire culture Includes legends, beliefs, values, laws, arts, and ways of life of people

Types of Oral Literature Proverbs (___________)-traditional sayings