Oral Literature - An Art Form From Immemorial Time

Abstract

In order to accurately answer the question above, there is a need to offer a conceptual framework and critical analysis of some keywords, such as culture, tradition, heritage, folklore and memory, as they support and complement one another. Therefore, I will try to provide answers not only to the prior question, but also to the following ones: In what way(s) does oral heritage form a part of culture? What is meant by culture? How reliable can oral heritage be? Is oral heritage a valid means of conveying culture and, thus, a collective representation of identity? Are heritage and tradition the same? To start with, I believe that it is of great importance to reflect upon the notion of culture, as it is an allencompassing concept, which will provide us with a better understanding of how culture has been shaped by oral heritage and, conversely, how culture has affected the development of such phenomenon.