Orality and oral tradition refer to the transmission of culture, knowledge, and history

through spoken word, as opposed to written text. This mode of communication has been
used throughout human history and continues to play an important role in many cultures
around the world. In this article, we will explore the work of several scholars who have
contributed to the study of oral tradition, including Walter Ong, Alessandro Portelli, and
others.

One of the key scholars in the study of oral tradition is the anthropologist, Walter Ong.
In his seminal work, "Orality and Literacy: The Technologizing of the Word," Ong
argues that oral cultures have a distinct mode of thought and communication that is
fundamentally different from literate cultures. He contends that oral cultures rely
heavily on memory and repetition, and that the spoken word is more immediate and
participatory than the written word. Ong also suggests that orality is a "primary mode of
human communication" and that it "is not secondary to writing, and it is not a stage in
the development of writing."

Another important scholar in the field of oral tradition is the historian, Alessandro
Portelli. In his book, "The Death of Luigi Trastulli," Portelli explores the role of oral
testimony in the reconstruction of history. He argues that oral testimony is not just a
source of information, but also a form of social action, and that it can be used to
challenge dominant narratives and power structures. Portelli's work highlights the
importance of oral tradition in the preservation of cultural memory and the creation of
collective identity.

Other scholars, such as the folklorist, Jan Vansina, have also made significant
contributions to the study of oral tradition. In his book, "Oral Tradition as History,"
Vansina argues that oral tradition can be used as a reliable source of historical
information, and that it should be treated with the same level of respect and rigor as
written sources. He contends that oral traditions are not just the product of "ignorance
and superstition," but rather, they are a "vital and dynamic part of human culture."

The ethnomusicologist, John Blacking, also made significant contributions to the study
of oral tradition. In his book, "How Musical is Man," Blacking argues that music is a
fundamental aspect of human culture and that oral traditions, particularly music, play a
crucial role in the transmission of culture and the formation of identity. He suggests that
music is a "cultural universal" and that it is an important aspect of human
communication.

It is worth mentioning that Oral tradition is not only limited to a certain time or place, it
still exists and plays an important role in many cultures around the world. For example,
in Africa, many cultures rely heavily on oral tradition for the transmission of history,
culture, and knowledge. In fact, in many African societies, oral tradition is the only
means of preserving and transmitting history.

In addition, there are many other scholars who have contributed to the study of oral
tradition, including the anthropologist, Jack Goody, who has written extensively on the
relationship between orality and literacy, and the historian, Eric Hobsbawm, who has
studied the role of oral tradition in the formation of national identity.

Overall, the study of oral tradition is a rich and diverse field that encompasses a wide
range of disciplines and perspectives. From the work of Ong, Portelli, Vansina,
Blacking, and many others, it is clear that oral cultures have a distinct mode of thought
and communication that is fundamentally different from literate cultures, and that the
spoken word plays a crucial role in the transmission of culture, history, and knowledge.

In conclusion, Oral tradition is an important aspect of human culture and history. The
study of oral tradition allows us to better understand the ways in which cultures and
societies have transmitted knowledge, memories, and stories throughout human history,
and how it continues to shape our world today. The works of scholars such as Walter
Ong, Alessandro Portelli, Jan Vansina, and John Blacking, among others, have greatly
contributed to the understanding of this topic, and have highlighted the importance of
orality and oral tradition in human culture. It is clear that oral tradition is a vital and
dynamic part of human culture, and that it should be taken into consideration in the
study of history, anthropology, and other disciplines. Furthermore, the importance of
oral tradition in preserving cultural memory and creating collective identity should not
be underestimated. It is important to acknowledge the value and significance of oral
tradition in the contemporary world and to continue studying it in order to deepen our
understanding of human culture and history.
It is also important to note that oral tradition is not just limited to pre-literate societies or
remote cultures, it continues to play a role in our modern world as well. Oral
storytelling, poetry, and music performances are still a significant aspect of
contemporary cultures. For example, oral storytelling is an essential part of many
indigenous cultures and is still used to transmit cultural knowledge, history, and beliefs.
Similarly, oral poetry is still performed in many cultures and is often used as a means of
political and social protest. The oral tradition of music is also still alive and well, with
many musicians and singers drawing inspiration from traditional forms and using them
in new and innovative ways.

Furthermore, it is also worth mentioning that oral tradition is not only limited to spoken
word, it includes visual and performative aspect too. Oral tradition is often passed down
through the generations through visual arts, such as painting, sculpture, and textiles,
which are closely linked to oral traditions and are used to preserve cultural knowledge
and beliefs. The use of oral tradition in performance art, such as dance and theater, is
also an important aspect of human culture, and has played a significant role in the
preservation of cultural identity and the transmission of cultural knowledge.

In conclusion, oral tradition plays an important role in human culture and history. It is a
vital and dynamic part of human communication, and it is closely linked to the
preservation of cultural memory, the creation of collective identity, and the transmission
of cultural knowledge. The works of scholars such as Walter Ong, Alessandro Portelli,
Jan Vansina, John Blacking, and many others have greatly contributed to the
understanding of this topic. It is important to acknowledge and appreciate the value and
significance of oral tradition in the contemporary world and to continue studying it in
order to deepen our understanding of human culture and history.

Another important aspect of oral tradition is its ability to adapt and evolve over time.
Oral tradition is not fixed or static, but rather it is constantly evolving and adapting to
changing cultural and societal circumstances. This is demonstrated by the fact that oral
traditions often incorporate new elements and influences from external cultures and
societies. For example, in the Caribbean, the oral tradition of Calypso music has
incorporated elements from African, Indian, and European cultures, creating a unique
and dynamic form of music that reflects the diverse cultural influences of the region.

Additionally, oral tradition also plays a crucial role in the preservation of endangered
languages and cultures. In many parts of the world, oral tradition is the only means of
preserving and transmitting endangered languages, and it is often the only way to keep
cultural knowledge and beliefs alive. This is particularly important for indigenous
cultures, whose languages and cultures are often threatened by the dominant culture.

Moreover, oral tradition also has an important role in education, in which it is often
used as a means of teaching and learning. Oral storytelling, for example, is a powerful
tool for teaching language, literature, and cultural knowledge. Furthermore, oral
tradition can also be used as a means of transmitting knowledge about science and
technology, particularly in cultures where access to written sources of information is
limited.

In summary, oral tradition plays an important role in human culture and history. It is a
vital and dynamic part of human communication, and it is closely linked to the
preservation of cultural memory, the creation of collective identity, and the transmission
of cultural knowledge. It is constantly evolving and adapting to changing cultural and
societal circumstances. Furthermore, oral tradition plays a crucial role in the
preservation of endangered languages and cultures, as well as in education. It is
important to acknowledge and appreciate the value and significance of oral tradition in
the contemporary world and to continue studying it in order to deepen our
understanding of human culture and history.

Finally, it is important to note that oral tradition is not only a historical or cultural
phenomenon, but it is also a contemporary one. Oral tradition continues to be a vital
part of human communication and culture in the modern world. In many parts of the
world, oral tradition is still used as a means of transmitting cultural knowledge, history,
and beliefs. Furthermore, oral tradition is also used as a tool for social and political
engagement, as well as a means of preserving endangered languages and cultures.
In addition, with the rise of digital technologies, oral tradition is also taking new forms,
such as podcasts, digital storytelling, and online storytelling communities. These new
forms of oral tradition have the potential to reach a global audience and to serve as a
means of preserving and transmitting cultural knowledge, history, and beliefs.

It's also worth mentioning that oral tradition is not only limited to a certain time or
place, it still exists and plays an important role in many cultures around the world. For
example, in Africa, many cultures rely heavily on oral tradition for the transmission of
history, culture, and knowledge. In fact, in many African societies, oral tradition is the
only means of preserving and transmitting history.

In conclusion, oral tradition is a fundamental aspect of human culture and history. It is a

vital and dynamic part of human communication, and it is closely linked to the
preservation of cultural memory, the creation of collective identity, and the transmission
of cultural knowledge. The works of scholars such as Walter Ong, Alessandro Portelli,
Jan Vansina, John Blacking, and many others have greatly contributed to the
understanding of this topic. It is important to acknowledge and appreciate the value and
significance of oral tradition in the contemporary world and to continue studying it in
order to deepen our understanding of human culture and history. The oral tradition will
continue to be important in the future, as it continues to adapt to new technologies and
social changes, and it will remain a powerful tool for preserving and transmitting
cultural knowledge, history, and beliefs.