2.4 Transition from Oral to Written Literature
4 min read•july 30, 2024
Native American evolved from oral traditions to written forms due to colonization and cultural shifts. This transition preserved endangered languages and stories, but also changed how knowledge was shared and valued within communities.
Contemporary Native writers blend traditional storytelling techniques with modern literary forms. They use writing to reclaim narratives, preserve cultural heritage, and address current issues, creating a powerful bridge between ancestral wisdom and present-day experiences.
Oral to Written Literature in Native America
Historical Factors Leading to Transition
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- European colonization introduced written language systems and literacy to Native American communities initiated gradual shift from oral to written traditions
- Government-imposed assimilation policies forced Native American children into boarding schools taught reading and writing in English accelerated transition to written literature
- Development of syllabic writing systems by Native individuals provided means for some communities to record oral traditions in own languages ( by Sequoyah)
- Anthropological and linguistic efforts documented Native American languages and stories in late 19th and early 20th centuries preserved oral traditions in written form
- Establishment of Native-run printing presses and publications in 19th century facilitated production and dissemination of written Native American literature ()
- Civil rights movement and cultural revitalization efforts of 1960s and 1970s sparked renewed interest in preserving and promoting Native American literature both oral and written
Cultural and Linguistic Preservation
- Native-developed writing systems enabled preservation of oral traditions at risk due to population decline, forced relocation, and cultural suppression
- Written documentation of Native histories and perspectives countered colonial narratives provided means of cultural resistance and self-representation
- Literacy facilitated cross-cultural communication and exchange of ideas between Native American communities and broader society
- Native American authors blended oral storytelling techniques with written literary forms created new avenues for creative expression
Literacy's Impact on Oral Traditions
Shifts in Knowledge Transmission
- Introduction of literacy fundamentally changed how knowledge transmitted, stored, and accessed within Native American communities challenged primacy of oral storytelling
- Fixity of written text sometimes resulted in standardization of previously fluid and adaptable oral stories potentially limited contextual flexibility
- Perceived hierarchy between written and oral forms of expression sometimes developed potentially devalued traditional oral practices in some contexts
- Writing systems allowed preservation of oral traditions at risk of being lost due to cultural suppression and population decline
New Forms of Expression and Communication
- Literacy enabled Native American communities to document own histories and perspectives countered colonial narratives provided means of cultural resistance
- Ability to read and write facilitated cross-cultural communication and exchange of ideas between Native communities and broader society
- Native American authors blended oral storytelling techniques with written literary forms created new avenues for creative expression
- Written literature reached wider audiences both within and outside Native American communities potentially increased cultural understanding and appreciation
Challenges of Translating Oral Narratives
Linguistic and Cultural Complexities
- Translation process navigates complex linguistic and cultural differences potentially leads to loss of nuance, context, and cultural specificity in written versions
- Transcription of oral narratives struggles to capture performance aspects integral to storytelling experience (intonation, gestures, audience interaction)
- Written versions may fail to convey fluid and adaptive nature of oral storytelling where stories change based on storyteller, audience, and context
- Translation and transcription often require collaboration between Native storytellers and linguists or anthropologists raise questions of authorship, ownership, and cultural authority
Preservation and Adaptation Opportunities
- Transcription and translation serve as form of cultural preservation document stories and traditions at risk of being lost
- Written versions of oral narratives reach wider audience both within and outside Native American communities potentially increase cultural understanding
- Digital technologies create new opportunities for multimedia presentations of oral narratives allow inclusion of audio, video, and interactive elements better capture oral tradition
- Process of translation and transcription often fosters collaboration between Native communities and scholars potentially leads to new insights and cultural exchange
Contemporary Native Writers and Oral Traditions
Bridging Traditional and Modern Forms
- Contemporary Native American authors incorporate oral storytelling techniques into written works (circular narratives, ) bridge traditional and modern expression
- Many writers view work as continuation of storytelling tradition adapt ancestral stories and themes to address contemporary issues and experiences
- Use of code-switching and incorporation of Native languages in English-language texts preserves linguistic heritage challenges dominance of English in literature
- Native American literature often blends genres and styles reflects hybrid nature of modern Native identities maintains connections to oral traditions
Cultural Representation and Innovation
- Native American writers engage in "re-storying" reclaim and reinterpret historical narratives from Indigenous perspectives counter colonial misrepresentations
- Publication of Native American literature creates new platforms for dissemination of traditional stories and cultural knowledge reaches both Native and non-Native audiences
- Contemporary writers grapple with responsibility of cultural representation balance preservation of traditions with need for innovation and individual artistic expression
- Native authors often address contemporary social and political issues through lens of traditional storytelling techniques create powerful commentary on modern Native experiences
Key Terms to Review (19)
Autobiography: An autobiography is a self-written account of one's own life, often detailing personal experiences, thoughts, and feelings. This genre allows individuals to narrate their life stories in their own voices, providing a unique perspective that connects to broader themes of identity, culture, and history. Autobiographies often serve as a bridge between oral traditions and written expression, capturing the essence of personal narrative and the individual's role within their community.
Ceremony: Ceremony refers to a formal religious or public occasion that often embodies cultural rituals and traditions. In Native American literature, ceremonies serve as vital expressions of identity, spirituality, and community, highlighting the transition from oral traditions to written forms, while also connecting to broader themes like cultural preservation and decolonization.
Cherokee Phoenix: The Cherokee Phoenix was the first newspaper published by a Native American tribe, specifically the Cherokee Nation, starting in 1828. This publication played a crucial role in the transition from oral to written literature among the Cherokee people by providing a platform for written communication in both the Cherokee and English languages, reflecting their culture, news, and political issues of the time.
Cherokee Syllabary: The Cherokee Syllabary is a unique writing system created by Sequoyah in the early 19th century, specifically designed for the Cherokee language. This syllabary allowed for the representation of sounds in Cherokee using distinct symbols, transforming oral traditions into written forms and enabling the preservation and dissemination of Cherokee culture and literature. Its creation marked a pivotal shift from oral storytelling to written communication within the Cherokee community.
Circular narrative: A circular narrative is a storytelling structure that begins and ends at the same point, often emphasizing themes of cyclical time or the interconnectedness of events. This style reflects the idea that life and experiences can repeat, echoing the traditions found in many cultures, especially those with strong oral storytelling practices. By looping back to the beginning, circular narratives often highlight character growth, cultural lessons, or the resilience of traditions over time.
Cultural Criticism: Cultural criticism is an approach that examines literature and art in the context of the culture in which they were produced, focusing on the social, political, and historical influences that shape their meanings. This method highlights how cultural artifacts reflect and critique societal values and ideologies, revealing power dynamics and marginalized voices. By understanding cultural contexts, this approach can uncover deeper layers of meaning in literature, including Native American narratives.
Cultural Survival: Cultural survival refers to the ongoing practice and preservation of a community's traditions, values, languages, and beliefs in the face of external pressures and influences. It highlights the resilience of Indigenous communities as they navigate modern challenges while maintaining their cultural identity. This concept emphasizes the importance of passing down knowledge and practices through generations, especially during significant transitions, such as moving from oral to written literature or adapting in contemporary contexts.
Dawes Act: The Dawes Act, passed in 1887, was a federal law aimed at assimilating Native Americans into American society by allotting them individual plots of land and granting them U.S. citizenship. This act intended to break up tribal communal landholdings, promoting individual land ownership and agricultural development, which reflected broader policies of assimilation and cultural erasure during that era. The Dawes Act had profound impacts on the transition from oral to written literature, as many Native American tribes began documenting their histories and cultures in written form in response to these changes.
House Made of Dawn: House Made of Dawn is a seminal novel by N. Scott Momaday, published in 1968, that is considered a cornerstone of Native American literature. The story explores the life of a young Native American man, Abel, as he navigates the challenges of cultural identity and the disconnection between his traditional roots and modern society.
Identity: Identity refers to the conception of oneself as a distinct individual, shaped by various cultural, social, and personal factors. In the context of Native American literature, identity often encompasses themes of cultural heritage, personal experience, and the struggle between traditional values and contemporary influences.
Indian Removal Act: The Indian Removal Act was a law passed in 1830 that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral homelands in the southeastern United States to designated 'Indian Territory' west of the Mississippi River. This act reflects broader themes of colonial expansion, cultural disruption, and the consequences of governmental policies on indigenous populations.
Indigenous Feminism: Indigenous feminism is a critical perspective that combines Indigenous cultural practices and feminist theories to address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous women. It highlights the intersection of colonialism, gender, and cultural identity, advocating for the rights and voices of Indigenous women within both Indigenous and broader societal contexts. This framework acknowledges the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous communities, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming traditional roles and narratives.
Leslie Marmon Silko: Leslie Marmon Silko is a prominent Native American author known for her contributions to contemporary Native American literature, particularly through her novels, short stories, and poetry. Her work often reflects the blend of traditional storytelling with modern themes, highlighting the complexities of Native identity, cultural heritage, and the connection to land.
Memoir: A memoir is a form of autobiographical writing that captures personal experiences and reflections of the author, often focusing on specific themes, events, or periods in their life. Unlike a full autobiography, which covers a person's entire life, a memoir tends to be more selective, offering insight into the emotional and subjective aspects of lived experiences. This form can bridge the transition from oral traditions to written literature by emphasizing storytelling and personal narrative.
N. scott momaday: N. Scott Momaday is a prominent Native American author and poet, known for his role in the Native American Renaissance and his exploration of Native American identity and culture. His works often reflect the deep connection to land, nature, and tradition, bridging oral history with written literature.
Oral History: Oral history is a method of collecting and preserving personal narratives and experiences through spoken word, often passed down through generations. This practice plays a vital role in maintaining cultural identity, sharing historical accounts, and providing a voice to marginalized communities, ensuring that their stories are not forgotten.
Postcolonial literature: Postcolonial literature refers to the body of literary work produced in response to the cultural, political, and social impacts of colonialism and imperialism. This genre often explores themes such as identity, resistance, displacement, and the lasting effects of colonial rule on both colonizers and the colonized. It highlights the voices of marginalized groups and reflects the complexities of cultural exchange, making it significant in understanding the narratives that emerge from former colonies.
Repetition: Repetition is a literary device where words, phrases, or ideas are repeated to emphasize a point, create rhythm, or enhance the emotional impact of a narrative. In Native American literature, repetition plays a vital role in oral traditions and storytelling techniques, serving to reinforce cultural values and collective memory.
Storytelling: Storytelling is the art of conveying narratives through spoken, written, or visual means, often used to share cultural values, traditions, and experiences. It plays a vital role in preserving heritage and facilitating the transfer of knowledge across generations, connecting people through shared histories and communal bonds.