oral transmission

literature

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July 1, 2026

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Oral tradition refers to the transmission of knowledge, stories, and beliefs through spoken words, rather than written texts. It is the oldest form of human communication and has been essential for forming and maintaining societies for millennia.12

Oral literature encompasses the traditional forms of literature found in societies without writing, as well as genres transmitted by word of mouth in written civilizations. These forms include epics, folktales, songs, myths, legends, proverbs, and riddles. While oral tradition can interact with literacy, it dwarfs written literature in size, diversity, and social function. Even in societies with writing, much communication, including literary forms, still occurs orally.3415

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education
The Aztecs
…cultural preservation relied heavily upon oral transmission and rote memorization of important events, calendrical information, and religious knowledge. Priests and noble elders, who were called conservators, were in charge of education. Since one of the important responsibilities of the conservator was to censor new poems and songs, he took the…
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…cultural preservation relied heavily upon oral transmission and rote memorization of important events, calendrical information, and religious knowledge. Priests and noble elders, who were called conservators, were in charge of education. Since one of the important responsibilities of the conservator was to censor new poems and songs, he took the…
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The Gambia
The arts
…serve to preserve cultural traditions, oral genealogies, and historical narratives. Praise songs are also part of the griot’s repertoire. The griots of The Gambia, many of whom play the kora, were made famous by Alex Haley’s Roots (1976).
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…serve to preserve cultural traditions, oral genealogies, and historical narratives. Praise songs are also part of the griot’s repertoire. The griots of The Gambia, many of whom play the kora, were made famous by Alex Haley’s Roots (1976).
Read More