Native American Oral Tradition Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, types, elements, and themes of Native American oral tradition based on lecture notes.

Oral tradition

A form of literature in which narratives are handed down through many generations through word of mouth.

Myth

A traditional story rooted in a particular culture that deals with divine creatures, supernatural beings, and heroes; usually embodying religious beliefs and cultural values.

Fables

A story with personified animals that teaches a lesson.

Trickster tale

A story that includes a 'trickster,' a character that challenges the established order of things, bending others to his will.

Performance and audience

An element of oral literature where the listener is attentive and respectful, while the performer tells the story with tone, vocal acting out of events, and gestures, engaging in the narrative.

Narrative voice

A story told in narrative chronological order, which is the order that events occur in time.

Voice

The speaker of a narrative; in Native American oral literature, the voice is of an elder who is a source of wisdom and knowledge.

Theme

The central message or perception about life revealed through the narrative.

Direct theme

A theme that is stated explicitly in the narrative.

Indirect theme

An implied or inferred theme.

Universal theme

A message about life that can be understood by most cultures.