T H E R E L A T I O N S H I P
The method of telling stories by mouth has changed throughout time, however, the essence of oral tradition has been kept alive. The oral traditions from our ancestors give obvious cues to the heritage and cultural traditions of the past. Our ancestors told stories in multitude of languages and with unique cultural aspects. With the rise of globalization, radio plays and podcasts often lack a distinctly cultural dimension. However, they provide a view into society through subtle ways. The War of the Worlds, a radio play preformed in 1938, is an example. The audience's reaction gives us insight into a culture of anxiety due to the Great Depression and WWII. The relationship between our ancestors' oral traditions, mid-century radio plays, and modern oral storytelling is held by their ability to capture the culture of the past.
T H E C Y C L E
We continue to tell stories because it allows us to connect and relate to others. It allows us to comprehend and make sense of our changing world and the people around us. The cycle continues because we not only learn from our experiences but we share them. Story-telling, especially from oral tradition, is essential to our existence because it embodies how we live.
I T S A P P E A L
We enjoy listening to stories because they shape how we see and feel the world. Story-telling is extremely versatile. It can being as simple as one person recounting an event or as complex as a group of people putting on a radio play. It allows us to experience and to fantasize a different world or life. Story-telling is appealing as it brings words to life and engages our emotions.
