University:
Arizona State University
Course:
HST 200 | Historical Themes
Academic year:

2024
Views:

297

Pages:

3
Author:

Thuyoul US

Folklore Function in Maintaining Cultural Heritage Overview In order to preserve cultural legacy, folklore—which includes oral traditions, myths, tales, and customs—is essential. This essay makes the case that folklore, by its ability to preserve historical narratives, promote communal identity, and adjust to modern societal changes, plays a vital role in the preservation of cultural heritage. Storytelling via History: Transmission A community's past can be learned from the historical accounts preserved in folklore. Generations transmit events that form communal memory through storytelling. For example, the creation stories of the Navajo people reflect their historical travels as well as their spiritual beliefs. These stories are essential to understanding their persistence against obstacles like colonization and to maintaining their sense of self. The oral histories that folklore preserves provide a substantial contribution to the preservation of cultural heritage. Developing a Sense of Community Because it instills common values and traditions, folklore strengthens group identification. Events like Mexico's Day of the Dead demonstrate how folklore combines with cultural customs and beliefs to allow people to remember their ancestors and forge closer social ties. Within this framework, the customs carried out during these celebrations aim to remind people of their common history and to foster a sense of community. By aiding the transmission of practices and values, folklore becomes instrumental in developing a solid cultural identity that can endure through generations Adaptation to Contemporary Society Folklore not only preserves historical contexts but also adapts to modern settings to ensure its relevance to listeners in the present day. New types of folklore, such urban legends disseminated via social media platforms, have emerged as a result of the widespread use of digital media. The 'Slender Man' phenomena, for instance, demonstrates how conventional storytelling techniques change in the internet era and allow for fresh interpretations of folklore that speak to contemporary social concerns. Folklore's adaptability guarantees not only the survival and significance of cultural legacy but also its vitality in quickly shifting cultural contexts. In summary In summary, folklore is essential for maintaining cultural legacy since it transmits historical stories, builds group identity, and helps communities adjust to modern social shifts. The significance and development of folklore continue to be crucial for preserving cultural continuity and enhancing collective identities as communities negotiate the challenges of contemporary life. Citations 1971; Ben-Amos, D. "Toward a Definition of Folklore in Context," in I. H. Cohen, ed., American Folklore: An Encyclopedia. Routledge, New York Benedict (2013). The value of folklore in modern society was discussed in the Journal of Cultural Heritage, 15(2), pp. 123–135. A. P. Cohen (1985). "Community's Symbolic Construction," Ethos, 13(3), pp. 207–222 Rex Finnegan (1992). African Oral Literature. Clarendon Press, Oxford J. R. Morss (2005). "Narrative in the Digital Age: The Emergence of New Forms of Folklore." 52(1) Folklore Studies, 23–39