Book contents
- Oracy
- Oracy
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Contributors
- Foreword: The Oracy That Democracy Needs
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- Part I Debating Oracy in the UK
- Part II Oracy in Global Context
- 7 Oracy Overseas
- 8 What Can Be Learnt from Global Traditions of Oracy?
- 9 Lessons in Oracy from the American Education System
- Part III Oracy in History and in Theory
- Index
- References
8 - What Can Be Learnt from Global Traditions of Oracy?
from Part II - Oracy in Global Context
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 23 September 2025
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Edited by
Book contents
- Oracy
- Oracy
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Contributors
- Foreword: The Oracy That Democracy Needs
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- Part I Debating Oracy in the UK
- Part II Oracy in Global Context
- 7 Oracy Overseas
- 8 What Can Be Learnt from Global Traditions of Oracy?
- 9 Lessons in Oracy from the American Education System
- Part III Oracy in History and in Theory
- Index
- References
Summary
In "What can be learnt from global traditions of oracy?" the prominent anthropologist Karin Barber explores the intertwined nature of orality and literacy across cultures. Despite the high value placed on literacy, she observes, orality remains a vibrant skill and creative domain in many societies. Recent studies emphasize the coexistence and mutual influence of oral and written traditions, demonstrated through examples like Italian commedia dell’arte and Afghan refugee poets. The chapter focuses first on the Yorùbá culture of Nigeria, where oral traditions shape individual identities and social interactions alongside a vibrant written literature. Further examples from Kenya and the Basque country highlight how informal oral genres integrate into education, fostering creativity, language skills, and cultural preservation. Overall, the chapter underscores oracy’s educational value and cultural significance across contexts, offering insights applicable to promoting oracy skills in the UK.
Keywords
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- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- OracyThe Politics of Speech Education, pp. 104 - 115Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2025
References
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