What is Pre-Colonial Literature?
It is the study of literature in existence before colonization. Pre-Colonial Literature was generally not recorded. The majority of stories existed as oral tradition. What is oral tradition? The passing of stories from person to person by word of mouth. This was, other than by direct instruction, the only method by which information was taught. This time period, with few exceptions, did not include the written word. All oral tradition (in song/poetry or story form) existed to educate and/or entertain. Pros/Cons to oral tradition as a means of educating/entertaining: – Advantages- can be adapted to fit any number of situations. – Disadvantages- only recorded in the mind- can be changed beyond recognition and original story can be lost. Much of the oral tradition existed in poetry, song, or story form. To enrich our understanding of all oral tradition, we can consider the following questions: – Who would tell this story (sing this song)? – To whom? – For what purpose (lessons inherent in
