Storytelling: Reflecting on Oral Narratives and Cultures

Storytelling refers to the cultural and social activities of exchanging stories. This is occasionally accompanied with improvisation, embellishment or theatrics. Every culture has their specific narratives or stories that are passed down for the purpose of education, entertainment, moral values instillation or cultural preservation. Narrative point of view, plot and characters are all important aspects of stories and storytelling. The oral tradition of storytelling strengthens familial and tribal ties by connecting the past, present and future. Oral narrative traditions are important repositories of folk traditions and folk knowledge. Natural events were explained through storytelling and these oral stories were passed down from generation to generation. The storytellers were regarded as teachers, leaders, entertainers, healers, spiritual guides and keepers of cultural secrets. Poetry, dance, songs and chants were used to convey stories orally. The topics covered in this extensive book deal with the core aspects of storytelling and oral narratives. Coherent flow of topics, student-friendly language and extensive use of examples make this book an invaluable source of knowledge.