Native American Oral Lit.

Question 0

3 Problems with European translations

Answer 0

1. Serious study didn’t start till late 19th century
2. Emphasis on individual storyteller is clouded (European’s attempt to define an entire culture)
3. Aesthetic values vary

Question 1

5 characteristics of Native American oral literature?

Answer 1

1. Performed
2. Cultural (relies on geography, religion ect. which is well understood my audience)
3. Supernatural
4. Narrative
5. Explanatory

Question 2

5 types of stories

Answer 2

1. Social organization and gender roles
2. “Earth diver” or creation stories
3. Cultural hero stories
4. Historical narratives
5. Trickster tales

Question 3

4 purposes of stories

Answer 3

1. Instill a sense of awe towards the mystery of the universe
2. To explain the working of the natural world
3. To support and validate social customs
4. To guide people through trials of living