It will focus on creativity and continuity in stories and songs that one generation has taught the next for 200 or more years in America. Folklore, although frequently misunderstood, is culture we share informally in conversation and activities. Oral traditions convey values and shape the attitudes African Americans have of themselves as a group and of others in our pluralistic society. Folktales are stories of the fabulous that fascinate children and adults. We will study tales of animals and tricksters that originated in Africa, tales of slaves that include transformed elements of European wonder tales, ethnic humor in folktales, and storytelling as oral history.
Folksongs are important in both sacred and secular culture.
Collecting folklore helps us preserve our heritage. Participants will receive guided instruction in identifying bearers of tradition in their own communities and in professional techniques for documenting stories and songs. Technology helps us both to study and teach folklore. This institute will familiarize teachers with such valuable websites as American Memory, a project of the Library of Congress. Participants will be introduced to Louisiana Voices, a new statewide folklore curriculum developed by the Louisiana Division of the Arts with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.