What is oral tradition?
The passing of knowledge and culture through spoken or performed forms.
Name common forms of oral tradition.
Storytelling, chants, epics, myths, legends, proverbs, riddles, songs, and spoken poetry.
What defines an epic in oral tradition?
A long narrative about a hero's adventures reflecting community values and history.
What does a myth explain in oral tradition?
The origin of the world, natural events, cultural practices, or supernatural beliefs.
What distinguishes a legend from a myth?
A legend relates to historically significant people, places, or events with changing details.
What is a proverb?
A short, memorable statement expressing practical wisdom or life lessons.
What characterizes a chant in oral tradition?
Repeated words, lines, sounds, or rhythms performed during gatherings or ceremonies.
What is the audience in cultural communication?
The intended group of listeners or viewers for a message.
What does purpose mean in cultural communication?
The reason a message is communicated.
Name one reason a message might be communicated.
To inform.
What does context include in cultural communication?
Social, historical, cultural, and situational conditions surrounding a message.
What does cultural sensitivity require when interpreting a text?
Interpreting without stereotyping, mocking, or removing it from its community context.
What is the first step to interpret a cultural text?
Identify its main idea and supporting details.
Which factors should be considered after identifying main ideas in a cultural text?
Audience, purpose, context, values, language, and tone.
What does imagery use to appeal to the senses?
Words.
What does symbolism represent through an object or image?
A deeper idea.
What does tone express in a speaker's delivery?
The speaker’s attitude toward the subject or audience.
What is an example of tone in speech?
Respectful, urgent, hopeful, or critical attitude.
What does parallelism use to create balance and force?
Similar grammatical structures.
Which elements strengthen performance meaning?
Volume, pacing, pronunciation, pauses, eye contact, facial expression, gesture, and posture.
How does oral tradition differ from spoken word in purpose?
Oral tradition preserves beliefs across generations, spoken word targets a contemporary audience.
What techniques do oral tradition and spoken word share?
They both use voice, performance, rhythm, repetition, and imagery.
Which elements are examined to evaluate a performance?
Central message, purpose, audience, language, tone, literary devices, non-verbal strategies, and call to action.
On what should constructive feedback be based?
Observable evidence, not the performer’s identity or appearance.
What is the purpose of the opening or hook in spoken word?
It captures attention and introduces the subject.
What does the controlling message do in a spoken word piece?
It states or strongly suggests the central idea.
What do concrete details in spoken word include?
Experiences, observations, images, or examples supporting the message.
How does an effective spoken word piece develop ideas?
In a purposeful and coherent sequence.
What devices does an effective spoken word use?
Devices that strengthen meaning.
How does an effective spoken word piece end?
With a realization, question, challenge, or call to action.
What language qualities should a spoken word writer use?
Accurate and inclusive language.
What should a spoken word writer avoid regarding privacy and stereotypes?
Respect privacy and avoid stereotypes.
How should a spoken word writer handle borrowed ideas or cultural practices?
Acknowledge borrowed ideas and represent cultural practices with care.
What should a spoken word piece adapt to its audience and context?
Language, tone, and structure.
What are the length and device requirements for a spoken word draft?
12-20 lines using at least three purposeful literary or performance devices.
What does ethical peer revision check about the topic and message?
Whether the topic suits the audience and task and the message is clear.
What tone and language aspects does ethical peer revision evaluate?
If the tone fits the context and the language is inclusive and culturally sensitive.
What should devices do in a spoken word piece according to ethical peer revision?
Strengthen meaning rather than merely decorate the piece.
Test your knowledge with 19 questions on Oral Tradition and Spoken Word.
1. In cultural communication, what does the audience refer to?
2. A speaker uses a broken chain to represent freedom from oppression. Which device does this example illustrate?
Review the complete course in the revision sheet for Oral Tradition and Spoken Word.
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