This volume explores the importance of inter-generational oral culture and stories that transcend time, space, and boundaries transmitted historically from one generation to the next through proverbs, idioms, and folklore tales in different geographical and spatial contexts. These important stories and their embedded life lessons are introduced, explained, and supplemented with pre and post educational activities and lesson plans to be used as learning resources. The centering of orality as a tool and medium for educating the future generation is a reclamation and reaffirmation of Indigeneity, Indigenous knowledges. and non-hegemonic approaches to support students in a socio-culturally sustaining manner. Through this understanding, this book explores the interconnectedness between culture, traditions, language, and way of life through oral storytelling, sharing, and listening.
Author(s): Ardavan Eizadirad, Njoki Nathani Wane
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 308
City: Cham
Foreword
Dedications and Acknowledgements
Contents
Notes on Contributors
List of Figures
Chapter 1: The Power of Oral Culture in Education: Remembering, Documenting, and Revitalizing Oral Teachings
Introduction
Positionality and Lived Experiences of the Authors with Oral Culture and Storytelling
Significance of Theorizing Oral Culture: Disrupting Colonial Logic
Oral Culture and Storytelling as a Medium and Tool for Relationship-Building Intergenerationally
Power of Oral Culture in Mitigating Systemic Inequities in Education
The Interconnection of Oral Culture in Maintaining Traditions, Languages, and Ways of Life
Part I: Identity: Knowing and Understanding Who You Are, Your Roots, Lineage, and Cultural Customs and Practices
Chapter 2: “Mtu Akikuita Mmbwa Usibweke”/When Someone Calls You A Dog, Don’t Bark Back!
Introduction
Locating Self
Msemo/Proverb: “Mtu Akikuita Mmbwa Usibweke”/When Someone Calls You a Dog, Don’t Bark Back!
Somo/Lesson-Take Away
Targeted Group, Lesson Plan, Pre-Activity, Main Activity, and Post Activity, Debriefing Questions
Activity Plan
References
Chapter 3: Stories and Counter-Stories
Locating Self as Author
Proverb in Detail
Meaning/Take Away Message
Activity
Book Collection Audit Guide and Activity
Book collection Audit Guide
Why and How:
Appendix Activity Plans
References
Chapter 4: Strength through Resistance: Drawing Critical Connections between Malalai of Maiwand and Malala Yousafzai to Counter Western Narratives of Muslim Girlhood
Locating Self as Author
The Story(ies)
Objective/Meaning/Take-Away Message
Lesson Plan
Why and How This Story Matters to You Across Time and Space:
Activity Plan
References
Chapter 5: Theorizing the Power of African Oral Culture for Identity Formation
Introduction
Foundation of Identity within the African Indigenous Culture
Proverbs as Speech for Africa Indigenous Societies
African Proverbs for Identity Formation
Objective of the Proverbs/Meaning/Take-Away Message
Conclusion: The Invaluable Significance of the African Identity Activity (AIA)
Activity Plan
References
Part II: Culture: Customs and Traditions with Symbolic Meanings Associated with a Particular Nation, People, or Social Group
Chapter 6: ‘Soulful Listening’: Rumi’s Story of the Parrot and the Merchant
The Story of Rumi
The Mathnawi
The Parrot and the Merchant
Listening: Beyond Matter Or Mind
To Empty Oneself
Be Silent and Listen
Bear Witness to Attack of Meaning
Activity Plan
References
Chapter 7: The Persimmon Tree: A Japanese Rakugo Tale
About the Author
Cultural Significance of Rakugo Storytelling
Why Oral Storytelling?
Embedding Authentic Culture
Glossary
Introduction to the Story
The Persimmon Tree
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five
Part Six
Part Seven
Activity Plan
References
Chapter 8: Importance of Proverbs in Caribbean Culture
Locating Self as Author
Origins
Importance of Proverbs in Caribbean Culture
Ben di tree while it young…
Modern Context
Activity Plan
References
Chapter 9: Maintenance of an Iranian Identity through Oral Culture and the Shahnameh: “The Shame Is Not In Asking, Shame Is In Not Knowing”
Introduction
Author Positionality: My Journey from Iran to Toronto, Canada
Storytelling, Proverbs, and Idioms as Educational Tools
Meaning and Take-Away Message of the Idiom
Questioning as an Art for Activism and Advocacy
Learning and Becoming More through My Cultural Roots and Family History
Implications for the Classroom: Centering Oral Culture
Activity Plan: The Art of Questioning—Understanding Who We Are through Oral Culture and Poetry
References
Part III: Power: The Ability or Capacity to Influence Change Which Can Manifest in Different Ways Through Ideas, Individuals, or Institutions
Chapter 10: Pedagogies of Resistance in the Palestinian Folktales: Nus-Nsais
Identity/Positioning of Author/Entry to the Folktale
Nus-Nsais
Sitting/Analysis/Interpretation
Moral Lessons
Education
Activity Plan
References
Chapter 11: Nanny’s Dolly: Using Storytelling to Explore the Residential School Experience with Young Learners
Classroom Activities to Support Post-lesson
Primary Grades (1–3)
Early Junior (Grades 3–4)
Late Junior (Grades 5–6)
Conclusion
Activity Plan
References
Chapter 12: Remembering a Goan Folktale in the Midst of a Global Pandemic
Locating the Self as Author
Re-Telling A Goan Folklore (India)
Objective and Meaning
Power/Empowerment in Midst of a Pandemic
Why This Folktale Matters Across Time and Space
Follow-Up Questions
Attulem and Bittulem: A Cautionary Tale for Our Time
Debrief of the Activity
Appendix Activity Plans
References
Chapter 13: Teaching and Learning from Our Elder’s Feet: Decolonizing Education Through Embu Proverbs
Njoki Wane
Madrine G. Muruatetu
Sein A. S. Kipusi
Anti-colonial Thought and Indigenous Knowledge
Indigenous Teaching Tools: Use of Proverbs and Their Application
A 45-Minute Lesson Plan.
Conclusion
Appendix Activity Plans
References
Part IV: Community: A Collective Group or Geographical Space That Attends to the Needs of Its Members with Love, Respect, and Reciprocity with a Unified Vision or Common Interests
Chapter 14: Lessons from the Legend of the No Face Doll: Haudenosaunee Origin
Locating Self as Author
The Story/proverb/idiom in Detail:
Objective/ Meaning/ Take-Away Message:
Other Considerations for Lessons
Debriefing Questions for Younger Children (Elementary):
Debriefing Questions for Older Children (Middle/Secondary):
Why and How Section:
The Work of Reconciliation in Our Learning Communities
Appendix Activity Plans
References
Chapter 15: The Story of Ni3mah: A Palestinian Folktale
Locating Self as Author
The Folklore Tale
The Story of Ni3mah, A Palestinian Folktale
Debriefing Questions
Why and How Section
Country of Origin
Meaning/Take-Away Message
Activity Plan
References
Chapter 16: The Power of Service in Building Inclusive Communities
Locating Myself
The Story
Activity Plan
References
Chapter 17: Addressing the Elephant in the Room
Locating Self as Author
Blind Men and the Elephant
Take Away Message/Understanding
Activity Plan
References
Index
