Characteristics Of Oral Literature

Paper 1: The word literature is a commonly used term used to reference to written and creative text. Literature is an outlet individuals use to express their ideas, culture, perspective, commonalities, and differences. Oral literature is a term used to describe written and oral literature. The term oral literature means “literature delivered by word of mouth” (Dictionary.com). Oral literature stems from several types of literature such as folk literature, folklore, and traditional literature. Various positive and negative characteristics appear depending on how the term oral literature is used. Traditional literature and folk literature emphasis two separate important concepts related to oral literature. Traditional literature focuses on how literature has been passed down through generations (Okpewho 2). One negative characteristic of traditional literature is the original author seems to become lost after time passes. Folk literature recognizes the author of the literature, their culture and back story.

using sign language. Sign language, throughout the world, varies depending on the country. People who hear use spoken words to communicate. Deaf people use sign language to communicate. Deaf culture is best described as an oral culture. Oral tradition is described as information being passed down through writing or spoken word from generation to generation Oral tradition, in relation to using sign language to express one’s self through the body, is passed down face to face (Bauman, H-Dirksen L., et al. 5). The term, sign language, takes place of the word spoken in the definition of oral culture. “A community where communication is solely by sign language; a culture cultivated and transmitted only through sign language.” This awareness shift opens up doors for hearing individuals to learn about Deaf culture, sign language, and the beauty of using the body to tell