Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Oral tradition refers to the passing down of cultural knowledge, stories, and history through spoken word rather than written texts. It is a way for societies to preserve their traditions and beliefs.
Related terms
Folklore: Folklore encompasses the traditional customs, beliefs, and stories of a particular culture or community.
Griot: A griot is a West African storyteller who carries on the oral tradition by recounting historical events and genealogies.
Epic Poetry: Epic poetry refers to long narrative poems that were originally composed orally and later written down. Examples include Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey."