Short Notes
a) Indian Tribal Poetry
Indian tribal poetry is a rich form of oral expression that reflects the thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and lifestyle of indigenous tribal communities. It is usually passed down orally through generations and is deeply rooted in nature, mythology, and everyday life.
Key Features:
- Oral tradition: Tribal poetry is mostly recited or sung, not written.
- Community-oriented: It reflects collective experiences rather than individual feelings.
- Use of symbolism: Nature, animals, spirits, and gods are often symbolic in tribal poetry.
- Language and dialect: Composed in local tribal dialects, using rhythmic and repetitive patterns.
Examples:
- Santhali Songs: Celebrate agricultural life, festivals, and legends.
- Gond Poetry: Tells stories of heroic ancestors and spiritual beliefs.
Significance: Indian tribal poetry is not just an art form; it serves social, spiritual, and educational purposes within the community.
b) Scripto-centric, Phono-centric, and Body-centric Approaches to Folklore
These are different ways to analyze and understand folklore, especially oral and performance traditions. Each approach highlights a unique medium of expression.
1. Scripto-centric Approach
- Focuses on written texts.
- Treats folklore as a literary product that can be transcribed and studied like literature.
- Often used in documentation, archival work, and comparative textual studies.
Criticism: May ignore the performative and emotional aspects of folklore.
2. Phono-centric Approach
- Focuses on sound, voice, and oral transmission.
- Emphasizes the importance of tone, pitch, rhythm, and repetition in oral traditions.
- Useful for studying folk songs, chants, and storytelling techniques.
Example: Baul singers whose voice and melody carry the essence of the folk message.
3. Body-centric Approach
- Focuses on the body as a tool for communication in folklore.
- Includes gestures, facial expressions, posture, dance, and movement.
- Important for studying folk theatre, dance forms, and ritual performances.
Example: In Kathakali, body language conveys emotions and story more than words.
Conclusion:
These three approaches—scripto-centric, phono-centric, and body-centric—provide a holistic way to study and appreciate folklore. While the written word preserves texts, the sound and body add emotional depth and cultural context to folk expressions.