FolkloreRules_Chapter2

Introduction to Folklore Studies

• Author: Lynne S. McNeill, Utah State University Press

• Focus: Introduction to academic folklore studies

Folklorists and Their Work

Common Misconceptions

• Folklore often associated with storytelling, but not all folklorists perform folklore.

• Analogy with criminologists: both study their respective subjects without necessarily participating in them.

Roles of Folklorists

• Collection of Folklore: Gathering stories, customs, and traditions.

• Analysis of Folklore: Examining context (who, where, when) and texture (how) beyond just the text (what).

Collection Techniques

Important Considerations

• Text: The actual content being shared (jokes, stories, customs).

• Context: Social setting affecting the folklore's presentation and reception.

• Texture: The manner in which the folklore is shared (tone, volume, delivery).

Fieldwork Methods

• Must create environments conducive to natural folklore sharing.

• Can include online methods (email, chat) as well as in-person interviews.

• Importance of observational techniques to capture cultural nuances.

Analyzing Folklore

• Questions folklorists typically consider:

  • Definition and classification (what and how)

  • Origin and transmission (who created and how it spreads)

  • Function and meaning (what it conveys to the group)

Functional Analysis

• Folklore can serve multiple purposes: entertainment, cultural validation, teaching, and social control.

• Example: Family-specific folklore can strengthen group identity and navigate social situations.

Importance of Folklore Studies

• Folklore reflects cultural expressions without institutional constraints, offering insights into communities.

• Understanding current folklore can reveal what is significant to a society or group.

Conclusion

• Folklore studies are significant for understanding human behavior and cultural dynamics.

• Engages in both collecting and critically analyzing folklore for deeper cultural comprehension.