Educational Notes

a. According to LaPena, what is the importance of the oral tradition? To what extent do you agree with his opinions and why?

Ans: According to LaPena, the oral tradition is important because it helps preserve the values, beliefs, histories, and identities of a culture. It is a means of transmitting knowledge from one generation to another in a personal and meaningful way. I agree with his opinion because oral tradition makes learning more relatable, connects people emotionally to their heritage, and keeps alive the wisdom of elders which might not be recorded otherwise.

b. Who preserve and pass on the oral tradition?

Ans: Elders in the community, especially those respected for their wisdom and life experience, preserve and pass on the oral tradition. They do this through stories, teachings, and conversations, sharing values, histories, and knowledge with younger generations.

c. What is the danger of not passing on information from generation to generation?

Ans: If information is not passed on from generation to generation, a community risks losing its cultural identity, values, language, and traditions. It leads to disconnection from roots and causes the weakening of social bonds and community unity.

d. What is the difference between oral tradition and literary tradition?

Ans: Oral tradition involves transmitting knowledge, beliefs, and stories by word of mouth, while literary tradition is based on the written word. Oral tradition is more personal and interactive, often shared through storytelling, whereas literary tradition is more fixed and documented through texts.

e. How does LaPena establish a relationship between art and the oral tradition?

Ans: LaPena connects art and oral tradition by showing how both serve as forms of cultural expression and preservation. Art reflects cultural stories, beliefs, and values visually, just as oral tradition does verbally. He believes that art, like oral stories, is deeply connected to identity and can serve as a way to pass on cultural knowledge.

a. LaPena states that the oral tradition helps maintain the values of a culture. If you believe that the oral tradition is important, how would you maintain it?

Ans: To maintain the oral tradition, I would regularly engage with elders, listen to their stories, and encourage intergenerational conversations. I would also promote storytelling events, record oral histories, and integrate traditional narratives into modern media like podcasts and educational materials. Involving youth in these practices would ensure continuity of the tradition.

b. “Not everyone is capable of fulfilling the roles of the elders.” Explain this statement with reference to the essay.

Ans: This statement means that being an elder in the context of oral tradition is not just about age but about possessing wisdom, responsibility, and a deep understanding of the culture. LaPena highlights that elders play a sacred role in preserving and transmitting tradition. Not everyone has the qualities, commitment, or respect to take on this role effectively.

c. What is the controlling idea or thesis of this essay?

Ans: The central idea of the essay is that oral tradition is vital for the survival and continuity of Indigenous and other cultures. LaPena emphasizes the importance of elders, art, storytelling, and intergenerational communication as essential tools to preserve cultural identity and prevent its loss.

d. How do topic sentences guide the reader through the essay? What would be lost without them?

Ans: Topic sentences help the reader understand the focus of each paragraph and connect ideas throughout the essay. They act as signposts, making the writer’s argument clearer and more organized. Without topic sentences, the reader might find it difficult to follow the structure and progression of ideas, leading to confusion or misinterpretation.

e. What are the four major problems developed by LaPena with regard to maintaining the oral tradition? How are they used to structure the essay?

Ans: LaPena outlines four challenges: the loss of elders, lack of interest from younger generations, the overwhelming influence of written culture, and the commercialization of Indigenous art and traditions. He uses each of these issues as focal points in separate paragraphs, building his argument and showing how each problem threatens the survival of oral tradition.

a. Write a paragraph or two explaining your attitude toward the oral tradition of passing along information.

Ans: I believe oral tradition is a vital part of cultural identity and social bonding. It connects people emotionally and spiritually to their roots. Unlike written text, oral tradition allows for personalization and adaptation, making it relevant to each generation. In today’s fast-paced digital world, reviving oral practices like storytelling and community dialogue can foster deeper understanding and respect for cultural heritage.

b. Our culture is our identity. Write a few paragraphs explaining how you intend to preserve your culture, values and norms.

Ans: To preserve my culture, I would actively participate in traditional festivals, ceremonies, and community events. I would learn and speak my native language, promote cultural education among the youth, and document stories and customs through recordings and writing. I also believe in blending tradition with modern technology—like making podcasts, videos, or digital archives—to reach a wider audience. Respecting elders, passing on ethical values, and maintaining family rituals are also important ways to keep our cultural roots alive for the future generations.