Since antiquity, humans have been telling narratives around campfires and in other informal settings. Folklore is the term used to describe these traditional stories, and it can be found all over the world. However, what many people don’t realize is that there is a separate category of storytelling called orature. Orature refers to narratives that are specifically crafted for an audience, and often take the form of poems or speeches. While folklore may be based on real events, orature is always fictional. In this article, we will explore the difference between folklore and orature in greater detail.
What is Folklore?
Folklore consists of the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a group of people. It is often passed down from generation to generation, and can be an important part of a culture. Folklore can include anything from superstitions and folk remedies to folktales and legends. Often, Folklore contains elements of both the natural and the supernatural. Folklorists study Folklore in order to better understand the culture from which it comes. Folklore can be a valuable source of information about a people’s history, religion, and way of life.
What is Orature?
- Orature is a term that is used to describe the oral tradition of storytelling. This includes folktales, fairy tales, tall tales, myths, Legends, and anything else that is passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth.
- Orature is an important part of many cultures, as it helps to preserve history and traditions. It also allows people to connect with their heritage and learn about their ancestors.
- Orature can be a powerful tool for teaching lessons about morality, family values, and human nature. In addition, it can be used to entertain and captivate listeners of all ages. Whether you are hearing a tale for the first time or sharing one with your own children, Orature is a wonderful way to experience the power of storytelling.
Difference between Folklore and Orature
Folklore refers to the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a culture. It includes items such as proverbs, Folktales, Folk songs, Folk dances, and so on. Folklore is typically transmitted orally from one generation to another. Orature, on the other hand, is a term that is used to refer to the oral literature of a particular culture. This includes items such as Folktales, Folk songs, Myths, Legends, and so on. Unlike Folklore, Orature is often written down and preserved in books.
Conclusion
The difference between folklore and orature is that folklore is the study of oral traditions, while orature refers to the actual act of storytelling. Folklore can be seen as a subset of orature, as it includes all the stories that have been passed down through oral tradition. However, not all orature is folkloric – there are many contemporary writers who create works of orature without relying on traditional stories.
