Review: Oral Tradition and Cultural Relativism

What is the oral tradition?

• A form of written literature

• A form of oral literature including myths, folk tales, legends, and songs

• A modern form of storytelling

• A type of scientific documentation

Answer explanation

The oral tradition refers to a form of oral literature including myths, folk tales, legends, and songs, not written literature, modern storytelling, or scientific documentation.

What is cultural relativism?

• The belief that all cultures are the same

• The theory that elements holding meaning for one culture may hold little or no meaning for another

• The idea that oral traditions are superior to written ones

• The practice of translating oral stories into written text

Answer explanation

The theory that elements holding meaning for one culture may hold little or no meaning for another

What is a myth?

• A fictional story with no cultural significance

• A traditional story rooted in a particular culture, dealing with gods, goddesses, and supernatural beings

• A modern fairy tale

• A scientific explanation of natural phenomena

Answer explanation

A myth is a traditional story rooted in a particular culture, dealing with gods, goddesses, and supernatural beings, making it the correct choice.

What does the trickster character represent in Native American storytelling?

• The hero of the story

• The villain of the story

• The comic principle in the midst of tragedy

• The wise elder

Answer explanation

The trickster character in Native American storytelling represents the comic principle in the midst of tragedy, adding humor and mischief to the narrative.

What is the main challenge in collecting oral stories in North America?

• Lack of interest in oral traditions

• Language and cultural barriers

• The stories are too old to be relevant

• The stories are already well-documented

Answer explanation

Language and cultural barriers are the main challenge in collecting oral stories in North America.

What is an example of a creation myth in Native American mythology?

• The story of Coyote and the Earth Monster

• The story of the first Native American novelist

• The story of how the world came about from a hole in the sky

• The story of the first human hero

Answer explanation

The story of how the world came about from a hole in the sky is an example of a creation myth in Native American mythology.

What does Leslie Marmon Silko refer to as "a collective effort in the recollection"?

• The process of writing down oral stories

• The oral tradition

• The translation of oral stories into written text

• The creation of new myths

Answer explanation

The oral tradition is what Leslie Marmon Silko refers to as 'a collective effort in the recollection.' It involves passing down stories orally through generations.

What is a tribal song?

• A song that is sung by a single person.

• A song that contains the wisdom of a people compressed into a lyrical performance.

• A song that is only instrumental.

• A song that is performed in a theater.

Answer explanation

A tribal song is a song that contains the wisdom of a people compressed into a lyrical performance, making it the correct choice.

What is the role of the audience in traditional tales and songs?

• To critique the performance.

• To listen attentively and engage with the narrative.

• To participate in the performance.

• To remain silent and not react.

Answer explanation

The role of the audience in traditional tales and songs is to listen attentively and engage with the narrative, rather than critiquing, participating, or remaining silent.

What is a narrative in oral literature?

• A song performed by a group.

• A story told in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or drama.

• A dance performed by a tribe.

• A speech given by a leader.

Answer explanation

A narrative in oral literature refers to a story told in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or drama, making it the correct choice.