Oral tradition explained to kids

Oral tradition, or oral lore, is a form of human communication where in information is transferred from one generation to another by word of mouth. It is an ancient way of passing on stories, music, dance, and traditions. The word “tradition” comes from the Latin tradere which means “to hand over, to hand down, or to give.” Oral tradition is not the same as verbal communication. It is a “communal creation of meaning from memory” that is constantly evolving. Each time a story is told, it is slightly different from the last time. This is because the storyteller is adding their own personal interpretation, or spin, on the story. Oral tradition is an important part of many cultures. It is a way to pass on history, values, and traditions. It is also a way to keep the culture alive. In some cultures, oral tradition is the only way that the history and traditions are passed down. There are many different types of oral tradition. Some examples are folktales, legends, myths, songs, and proverbs. Oral tradition is an important part of our world. It is a way to keep cultures alive and to pass on history and traditions.

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