Oral Traditions and Songs

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Oral Traditions and Songs

Some may say that without a written language, literature cannot exist. However, to deny the oral traditions and songs of cultures prior to the existence of their written languages would deny the world some of the earliest literature of humankind. Whether passed down through oral or written means, literature consists of all stories, songs, and poetry every generation loves, inspires, and passes on.

Early in life children are told stories by parents, siblings, grandparents, and teachers. Those early years are filled with nursery rhymes and silly stories. Sometimes the caregiver will read from a book of composed nursery rhymes. Sometimes it is simply a rhyme they heard in their childhood. Either way such entertainment in the form of songs and stories definit...

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