From Oral Tradition to Literary Heritage: The Journey of Folkliterature

Abstract

Folkliterature represents the earliest form of creative expression in human societies and serves as a valuable source for understanding the cultural history, language, and collective identity of a community. Originating in oral traditions, it has been transmitted from one generation to another through stories, songs, legends, proverbs, riddles, myths, and folk narratives. This article explores the evolution of folkliterature from spoken word to recognized literary heritage, highlighting its role in preserving social values, customs, beliefs, and historical memories. It examines how folkliterature is generally divided into two major forms folk prose and folk poetry and emphasizes its communal nature, as it is created, modified, and sustained by the collective experiences of the people rather than by individual authors. The study further discusses the transformation of oral traditions into written texts and their contribution to the development of language and literature. By tracing the journey of folkliterature from oral performance to literary documentation, the article underscores its enduring significance as a living cultural treasure that continues to inspire literary creativity and strengthen cultural identity in contemporary society.