West African Oral Tradition

​Introduction to Oral Traditions

Oral traditions: Methods of passing down knowledge, beliefs, and values through spoken word
• Crucial in West African culture for centuries
• Includes stories, songs, proverbs, and historical accounts
Maintained cultural identity and historical records before widespread literacy

​Griots: The Keepers of History

• Storytellers, musicians, and performers

• Historians and record keepers

• Advisors to rulers

• Memorized important events, genealogies, and cultural information

• Could speak for hours or days on various topics
  * Modern influence: Some griots have adapted traditional works into popular music

​Folktales and Proverbs

Folktales:

• Used to pass down history and teach morals

• Brought to the Americas by enslaved West Africans

• Example: Trickster tales featuring the clever hare (became Brer Rabbit in America)

• ​Proverbs:

• Short, wise sayings that reflect cultural values

Examples: "Action Speaks louder than words ." or "Rome was not built in a day"

• Demonstrate the importance of storytelling and oral traditions

Impact and Legacy of West African Oral Traditions

• Preservation of culture

• Influence on the Americas

• Importance Continues

​Group Discussion

1. Read both documents together as a group.

2. Discuss the readings and answer the following questions:

   • What are the main ideas of the folktales and proverbs?

3. You have five minutes for your discussion.

4. If you finish early, answer this question on the timer page:

   • How do the folktales or proverbs in your family or community teach important lessons or reflect the values important to the people around you?

Question: What is one main idea you learned about the importance of oral tradition and how it connects to your life?

Instructions:

1. Write your response on a sticky note.

2. Be sure to include:

   • One main idea about oral tradition.

   • A brief explanation of how this idea relates to your own life

Reflection Exit Ticket