Oral Tradition Theory

Introduction: Oral Tradition Theory

Oral Tradition Theory, rooted in the etymology of “oral” and “tradition,” is a scholarly framework employed in the study of cultural transmission. The term “oral” derives from the Latin word “os,” signifying “mouth,” highlighting the central role of spoken language in this theory. “Tradition,” originating from the Latin “traditio,” refers to the act of handing down customs, beliefs, narratives, and knowledge from one generation to the next.

As a theoretical construct, Oral Tradition Theory elucidates the dynamics of preserving and conveying cultural expressions through verbal communication across societies and epochs. It delves into the mechanics of memory, the adaptability of narratives, and the communal aspects of oral transmission, thus offering a comprehensive lens through which to explore the interplay between orality and cultural continuity in various human societies.

Oral Tradition Theory: Origin, Theorists, Works and Arguments

Origin:

• Oral Tradition Theory has its roots in the early 20th century, primarily emerging as a response to the prevailing view that literature and culture were solely reliant on written texts. Scholars like Milman Parry and Albert Lord laid the groundwork for the theory by examining oral epic poetry, such as the works of Homer, and identifying patterns of oral composition.

Theorists:

• Milman Parry (1902-1935): Milman Parry is considered one of the founding figures of Oral Tradition Theory. He conducted extensive research on the oral composition of ancient epic poetry, particularly the Iliad and the Odyssey, highlighting the formulaic nature of these texts and the role of oral traditions in their creation.
• Albert Lord (1912-1991): Building on Parry’s work, Albert Lord expanded and refined the theory. His book The Singer of Tales (1960) further elucidated the oral-formulaic nature of epic poetry and proposed the concept of “oral tradition” as a dynamic and flexible means of cultural transmission.
• Walter J. Ong (1912-2003): Ong explored the characteristics of oral cultures in contrast to literate ones. His work, Orality and Literacy (1982), delved into how oral traditions shape thought, communication, and memory.

Key Works:

• Milman Parry’s The Making of Homeric Verse (1971): This posthumous publication encapsulates Parry’s research on the oral composition of Homeric epics and its implications for understanding the transmission of ancient literature.
• Albert Lord’s The Singer of Tales (1960): Lord’s seminal work outlines the principles of Oral Tradition Theory and provides extensive examples from various cultures to support his arguments.
• Walter J. Ong’s Orality and Literacy (1982): Ong’s book offers a comprehensive exploration of the characteristics of oral cultures, the transition to literate societies, and the impact of these shifts on human cognition and communication.

Key Arguments:

• Central to Oral Tradition Theory is the idea that oral cultures rely on spoken language, memory, and mnemonic devices for the transmission of knowledge, stories, and cultural traditions.
• The theory posits that oral traditions are not fixed, but rather flexible and adaptable, allowing for variations and creativity within the retelling of narratives.
• Scholars in this field argue that oral traditions have played a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage, fostering a sense of community, and transmitting knowledge across generations, challenging the notion that written texts are the sole repository of culture and knowledge.

Principles of Oral Tradition Theory

Principal	Explanation	Example
Oral Transmission	Emphasizes spoken language as the primary mode of cultural transmission, distinct from written texts.	Indigenous tribes passing down creation stories through oral storytelling.
Variability and Flexibility	Highlights the adaptability of oral traditions, allowing for creative variations in the retelling of narratives.	Different versions of a folk tale evolving across generations.
Formulaic Composition	Recognizes the use of formulas, patterns, and stock phrases in oral narratives, aiding storytellers in structuring their tales.	Epic poetry with recurring phrases in Homer’s works.
Communal Memory	Relies on collective memory within a community or culture for preserving stories, knowledge, and cultural heritage.	Legends and myths shared and remembered by an indigenous tribe.
Mnemonic Devices	Employs mnemonic techniques like rhyme, rhythm, and repetition to aid memory and facilitate the transmission of complex narratives.	Traditional chants used to remember tribal histories.
Cultural Preservation	Plays a vital role in preserving a culture’s history, values, beliefs, and identity, passing them down through generations.	Oral traditions preserving indigenous cultural practices.
Performance Context	Often performed in specific contexts, featuring skilled storytellers or performers who enhance the impact of the oral transmission.	Griots recounting tribal history through storytelling and music.
Dynamic Nature	Acknowledges the evolution of oral traditions over time, adapting to changes in cultural, social, and historical contexts.	Folklore adapting to reflect contemporary societal concerns.
Oral-Literate Interface	Explores the interplay between oral and written communication forms, considering their influence on each other within a culture.	Folk tales recorded in written form without losing their oral essence.
Contextual Interpretation	Relies on the performance context, with listeners actively engaging in the interpretation of oral narratives to derive meaning.	Audience participation in interpreting local legends during ceremonies.

Suggested Readings

1. Bauman, Richard. Verbal Art as Performance. Longman, 1977.
2. Finnegan, Ruth. Oral Poetry: Its Nature, Significance, and Social Context. Indiana University Press, 1992.
3. Foley, John Miles. Oral-Formulaic Theory and Research: An Introduction and Annotated Bibliography. Garland Publishing, 1985.
4. Goody, Jack, and Ian Watt. The Consequences of Literacy. Comparative Studies in Society and History, vol. 5, no. 3, 1963, pp. 304–345.
5. Havelock, Eric A. The Muse Learns to Write: Reflections on Orality and Literacy from Antiquity to the Present. Yale University Press, 1986.
6. Lord, Albert B. The Singer of Tales. Harvard University Press, 2000.
7. Ong, Walter J. Orality and Literacy: The Technologizing of the Word. Routledge, 2002.
8. Parry, Milman. The Making of Homeric Verse: The Collected Papers of Milman Parry. Oxford University Press, 1987.
9. Tedlock, Dennis. Finding the Center: Narrative Poetry of the Zuni Indians. Bison Books, 1972.
10. Vansina, Jan. Oral Tradition: A Study in Historical Methodology. Routledge, 1965.