Native American Oral Literature

1. Native American Oral Literature Mr. Penn’s Honor’s American Literature

2. I. Native American Demographics • By the time of European discovery, there were more than 10,000,000 Native Americans across North America, representing 350 languages.

3. II. Recording Oral Literature • When spoken, Oral Literature takes on new meaning with the speaker’s vocal characterization, movements, pauses etc. • Difficult to express in writing • Problems with European translations • Serious study didn’t begin until the 19th Century • Emphasis on individual storyteller is clouded as European’s attempt to define a story as representing an entire culture • Aesthetic values vary with culture

4. III. Characteristics • Performed • Cultural 1. Relies upon awareness of geography, religion etc. that is already well understood by the audience. • Supernatural • Narrative • Explanatory

5. IV. Types • Creation story • Social organization and gender roles • “Earth Diver” story • The earth covered with a flood, characters dive to the ocean floor and bring mud up to the surface to live on • Cultural Hero Story • 1. A remarkable individual altered the original world

6. C. Historical Narrative 1. A population migrates or interacts with European colonists 2. Blends the real with the supernatural D. Trickster Tales 1. A character breaks social norms 2. Humorous and instructive

7. V. Purpose • To instill a sense of awe toward the mystery of the universe • To explain the workings of the natural world • To support and validate social customs • To guide people through the trials of living