HUMA 2310 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Bumpa, Double Entendre, Nation Language
25 Jun 2018
School
Department
Course
Professor
The Oral Tradition and Orality
Intro to Caribbean Studies Lecture #2
ď‚·Although the Caribbean has a shared history, there is diversity within the region. An
example of this is through the language: Spanish speaking islands, French speaking
islands etc.
ď‚·Attempts were made to strip them of their cultural heritage, these attempts were
unsuccessful. Although the slaves were robbed of their freedom they could not rob
them of their oral traditions. (passed through word of mouth)
The Oral Tradition
ď‚·The cultural forms used to maintain and pass the accumulated knowledge of people
through word of mouth
ď‚·The oral tradition was essential because without books to pass this knowledge. The
oral tradition played the role of passing on that knowledge.
ď‚·Examples of oral traditions: songs, speeches, stories, riddles, jokes, legends, sayings
and other traditions of performance.
ď‚·Was a key way in learning for children! Aspects of this have continued to thrive.
ď‚·Is like a reservoir that holds the practical wisdom of a people.
ď‚·People now will know what is expected of them and how to behave. It was essential
to an individual’s survival and the formation of communities. Also linked to religious
practices, festivals and other symbolic activities
ď‚·Oral tradition is like a metaphorical mirror in which Caribbean society sees a
reflection of itself for the purpose of awareness change and humour. Shows who you
are and how you have changed.
ď‚·Oral tradition has also been a part of the historical documentation for Caribbean
society.
Essential Characteristics
ď‚·Inherently imaginative, inventive and creative.
ď‚·Different ethnic groups mixed up on the plantation to prevent rebellion and
resistance.
ď‚·Sometimes various cultures were combined and aspects of different cultures
were combined and as well as European cultures.
ď‚·Performance based
ď‚·It requires in many ways a story teller and an audience to complete the
community.
ď‚·Accompanied with clever wit, gestures and dance. Often people talk around a
topic rather than speak directly to it. Therefore the true meaning could be
misconstrued and unclear. This is very clear in Calypso music.
ď‚·Reflects pragmatism and resistance
ď‚·Tended to teach survival skills. Slavery was a system of exploitation and
oppressions, where there is oppression there is resistance. Example, the use of
the nation language.
Forms of the Oral Tradition
ď‚·Nation language
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
Although the caribbean has a shared history, there is diversity within the region. An example of this is through the language: spanish speaking islands, french speaking islands etc. Attempts were made to strip them of their cultural heritage, these attempts were unsuccessful. Although the slaves were robbed of their freedom they could not rob them of their oral traditions. (passed through word of mouth) The cultural forms used to maintain and pass the accumulated knowledge of people through word of mouth. The oral tradition was essential because without books to pass this knowledge. The oral tradition played the role of passing on that knowledge. Examples of oral traditions: songs, speeches, stories, riddles, jokes, legends, sayings and other traditions of performance. Was a key way in learning for children! Is like a reservoir that holds the practical wisdom of a people. People now will know what is expected of them and how to behave.
