Research Proposal

Sam Hommel
Independent Research
2017
Folklore Memory of the Googanji People: The Science Behind Oral Histories
Introduction:
In this document, the subject, purpose and methods of my research will be explored. The
Aboriginal folktales that relate to post ice age flooding will be researched through human sources
and scientific studies about sea level changes in recent geologic history. This is all being
completed to increase awareness of the concept of folklore, to hopefully cause many people to
question the assumed fantastical status of many of their stories.
Background and Rationale:
The Australian Aboriginal culture is one of storytelling. The rich folklore of these
peoples is called, The Dreamtime, and is a unique kind of mythology. The Dreamtime is a
conglomerate creation story and folk mythology. It describes the beginning of knowledge, and
the survival techniques of their ancestor through countless parables and stories. Being so
connected to their folklore, and for so long, the Aboriginal peoples are affected by something
called folklore memory. Folklore memory is the process by which ancient events are recorded in
an oral history, and as the stories of these events are passed through the generations, they become
something akin to mythology.
The Australian coast, like every other coastal region in the world, has been subject to
great change throughout time. One of the largest changes occurred relatively recently, about
13,000 years ago. This time is considered the end of the last major ice age, a period characterized
by dramatically rising sea levels. This was a result of temperatures increasing, and the ice caps
that stored vast amounts of frozen water melting. Certain projections place the sea level rise in
just a few hundred years reaching near 10 meters. The Aboriginal Dreamtime was very much
present 13,000 years ago, meaning that there are many stories that deal with the inundation of
coastal lowlands, and even the disappearing islands.
The reasons this phenomenon merits study are numerous. Chiefly, the goal is to publicize
the concept of folklore memory, increasing the rate it is noticed in many tales, causing humanity
as a whole to rethink the possible truths behind their common, household stories.
Methodology:
Research Question:
Which stories about coastal flooding, from which cultures of Aboriginal Australia, are
based in ancient fact?

Research Hypothesis:
The tales told by the Googanji people of Northeastern Australia about the drowning of
the coastal lands are based on the sea level rise as a result of the deterioration of the last major
ice age.
Research Design Model:
I intend to use a historical research design model, with both quantitative and qualitative
elements. The historical research design model applies to my study because the entirety of the
researched events and data took place in the past. The qualitative portion of my project will deal
with the actual folktales, while the quantitative will focus on actual, measurable, sea level data.
Data Collection:
My primary avenue for data collection will be contact with experts. I do not have access
to the vast majority of literature about my subject, but multiple human sources have already
provided me with promising data.
Objectives:
My main product objective is something that will greatly publicize the concept of
folklore memory, and my research as an example for the credence of the subject. This could take
the form of a website, video, or app, but no matter what it is some form of digital media, for ease
of access. The targeted audience is the entire population of the world. Every culture and people
has its stories, and the overall goal of my research is to make people question the possible truth
behind these stories.
Logistics:
The main resources for this project are media and print sources, found through human
sources. Preferably the cost of this project would be rather high, as many useful print sources are
available for an exorbitant price. In third quarter, a timeline will be added that outlines the data
collection, product development, and audience distribution.
Approval:

__________________
Student

____________________
G/T Teacher