Memory in oral traditions
Subtitle: the cognitive psychology of epic, ballads, and counting-out rhymes
By: David C. Rubin.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 1995
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 385
Subjects: Oral tradition.; Memory.; Counting-out rhymes -- History and criticism.; Ballads, English -- North Carolina -- History and criticism.; Epic literature -- History and criticism.
Description: Long studied by anthropologists, historians, and linguists, oral traditions have provided a wealth of fascinating insights into unique cultural customs that span the history of humankind. In this groundbreaking work, cognitive psychologist David C. Rubin offers for the first time an accessible, comprehensive examination of what such traditions can tell us about the inner workings of human memory.

Focusing in particular on their three major forms of organization - theme, imagery, and sound patternRubin proposes a model of recall, and uses it to uncover the mechanisms of memory that underlie genres such as epics, ballads, and counting-out rhymes. The book concludes with an engaging discussion of how conversions from speech to writing can predict how computer technologies will affect the conventions of future communication. Throughout, Rubin presents the results of important original research as well as new perspectives on classical subjects.

Splendidly written and farsighted, Memory in Oral Traditions will be eagerly read by students and researchers in areas as diverse as cognitive psychology, literary studies, classics, folklore studies, and cultural anthropology.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 329-365) and indexes.