How do we communicate with one another? There are many ways; some have changed over time, some have remained the same, and we've found some new ways, too. See if you can add to this list:

On this page, we'll discuss verbal communication, specifically oral traditions and their importance in communicating the history of groups of people from one generation to another.

Oral Traditions

When was the last time you listened to a story told by your grandfather? Stories do not simply remind us about a person or an event, but are reminiscent and reflective about a time period, a family, a community. One story may help to make another more meaningful.

Oral history is often used to pass along the practices and beliefs of a particular group of people or community down through many generations. Some societies have very little written history, and rely on the oral traditions retained by community elders to guide their decisions and their lives. Often one or two young people in the community are chosen to learn the stories of their people, and when their elders pass on, they become the keepers of tradition.

Very often, objects serve as devices to trigger recollections and memory. These are called mnemonic devices. They may be designs on pottery or quilts, or they may be found in pictographs or petroglyphs on rock walls. Think of the things that help you remember. For example, looking at a map may help you retrace a journey you made from one place to another. In addition, it may help you recall the places you stopped along the way, the things you saw, the people you met. Think of how interested your friends will be when you can tell them more than just the highway you rode upon!

Next time you visit your grandparents, ask them about what life was life when they were young, or spend time with them learning they do things like cooking, woodworking, sewing, or gardening. You can find more information on collecting oral history on the Communications Lesson page.