Classification and Significance of Oral Literature
Classification of Oral Literature
Oral literature encompasses various genres including:
Oral Narratives
Songs
Oral Poetry
Riddles
Proverbs and Wise Sayings
Tongue Twisters
Jokes and Puns
Oral Narratives
Oral narratives are extensive folk tales passed down through generations orally, featuring characters, settings, plots, and often moral lessons.
- Characters: Can range from non-living things to supernatural beings, reflecting the community's imagination.
- Setting: Situated in time and place, varying from heaven to the animal kingdom or specific historical contexts.
- Plot: Unfolds as characters tackle challenges presented in the story.
- Moral Lesson: Typically includes moral teachings, except for legends.
Significance of Storytelling
1. Confidence Building: Requires standing before an audience, enhancing confidence.
2. Memory Enhancement: Challenges individuals to remember stories from years past.
3. Communication Skills: Involves verbal and non-verbal communication during narration.
4. Morality Development: Reinforces moral values by rewarding good characters and punishing evil ones.
5. Education: Offers insights into the society's culture from which the narratives originate.
6. Entertainment and Pastime: Provides enjoyable recreational activity.
Qualities of a Good Storyteller
Good Memory to remember the details of the stories
Fresh Recreations: Recreates the story with each narration.
Imagination and Creativity
Audibility and Confidence
Open-mindedness
Audience Engagement: Involves the audience through questions and interaction.Dramatization and Para-linguistic Features: Uses these elements to enhance performance.
Genres of Oral Narratives
Oral narratives can further be categorized into:
- Myths
- Legends
- Aetiological Narratives
- Fables
- Human Tales
- Ogre/Ogress/Monster Tales
- Tricksters
- Dilemma Narratives