Introduction

Bibliographic Data

ID23739262
AuthorsRuth Finnegan (0000-0002-0084-265X, British Academy, corresponding author)
Year2025
Pages1-38
Publication date2025-05-28
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeCHAPTER
VenueOral poetry (SOURCE_BOOK)
PublisherOpen Book Publishers (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.11647/obp.0428.01
OpenAlexW4410828177
ISBN9781805114093
LanguageEN
References cited113

The study of oral poetry often involves assumptions that shape its analysis, making it important to distinguish between controversial, empirical, or outdated claims. Several influential approaches to oral poetry are examined. Romantic and evolutionist theories, rooted in 18th and 19th-century European Romanticism, highlight the spontaneous, emotional, and natural aspects of poetry, emphasizing a connection to "primitive" societies. These theories have shaped the perception of oral poetry as a natural, instinctive art form, often linked to rural or unlettered communities. The concept of tradition, where oral literature is passed down through generations, is central to this view. The Finnish historical-geographical approach seeks to trace the origins and journeys of oral narratives, often focusing on content rather than performance or social context. This method has led to a focus on classifying and mapping motifs, which can overshadow the dynamic, local creation and performance of oral works. Sociological approaches raise questions about the role of literature in society, whether it reflects or influences social order. Some view oral literature as supporting the status quo, while others emphasize its potential for social change. Finally, the dichotomy between "primitive" and modern societies, often linked to oral versus literate cultures, is questioned, as many oral traditions exist within societies influenced by literacy. These assumptions, rooted in Romanticism and sociological theory, need re-evaluation for a more nuanced understanding of oral poetry.

Aesthetics · Art · Context (archaeology) · Epistemology · Literature · Narrative · Oral literature · Oral poetry · Oral tradition · Poetry · Romanticism · Social science · Sociology · Anthropology · Folklore, Mythology, and Literature Studies · Historical Legal Studies and Society · History · Music History and Culture · Philosophy

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