Oral Storytelling Techniques and Traditions

This paper explores the traditions of ancient cultures and the use of oral storytelling to preserve cultural identity and knowledge, as well as its contemporary applications in today's world. For the purpose of this thesis, Celtic, Greek, and Lakota oral traditions were selected and examined to help illuminate the useful techniques created by these long-surviving cultural peoples and how many are still being utilized today. Over the span of thousands of years, each technique tells a story of creativity, musical inspiration, and cultural resourcefulness to maintain unique attributes and wisdom for future generations to enjoy and learn from, along with a modern scientific understanding of what happens with the brain during an oral performance. To see the complete thesis, please visit https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/undergraduate_honors_theses/1544br025.