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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 10 page overview of the many factors which have affected the African oral tradition. Definitions of such critical terms as mythology and culture are provided in a discussion of the manner in which oral tradition has changed over time. The influence on Europeans in bother altering oral tradition and misinterpreting it is noted and a brief review of the common elements found in many African stories is provided. Bibliography lists 7 sources.
Page Count:
10 pages (~225 words per page)
File: AM2_PPafrMyt.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
African oral tradition is as diverse as the African people are themselves. Many cultures, religions, and lifeways are encompassed in that massive continent we know as Africa.
Each is associated with a tremendously diverse and fascinating oral tradition. African stories are particularly fascinating. As we shall see, however, these stories can vary tremendously in
the manner in which they relate to the people. Stories can be either fiction or very much based in fact. Fictional or factual, however, oral tradition provides incredible
insight into social customs, history, religion, spirit concerns and numerous other aspects of the people from whom it is spawned. Mibiti (2002) contends, in fact, that myth is:
"broader than history in explaining some aspects of society. It is a language of expressing truths
or realities for which history does not supply a full explanation". African culture has
formed in response to the same factors that have shaped other cultures the world over, so too is its mythology. While the changes which have occurred vary according to
the specific African culture being discussed, there are certain commonalities which can be noted. Culture as a whole is sensitive to even minute influences. This is understandable when
we consider the nature of culture. The term "culture" can be defined in a number of ways. One definition, according to William Haviland is that culture is the:
"the abstract values, beliefs and perceptions of the world the lie behind peoples behavior"
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