Page 17 - English_Spark_8

confidence, self-esteem and other fine sentiments in their listeners. They show how to

get along with others, how to hold one’s own in tough times, how to not succumb’ to
pressure and temptation... the list is endless.
They are a treatise on social, psychological and environmental instructions for living

well, Mythologies and folklore provide a word map that leads the readers to discover
traditions, customs and points of view of people they may never come across.
They are also a useful tool to instil a sense of belonging in people. When someone sings

a traditional refrain, practically everyone joins in because they form a part of the same
group, community, people.
This oral tradition is an interpersonal activity— it requires the storyteller along with

people who are interested in the stories. True, it has high entertainment value. But there
is more that meets the eye. The story sessions are an exercise in effective communication
at its best. The take away for the audience is not just the act of listening; knowledge

of how to deal with a certain situation, for instance, is sown in the mind without the
listener being aware of it.
Mythologies and folklores are a kind of school—they empower their students as they
listen and concentrate upon the spoken words. They listen to different perspectives

and ideas, which, at times, are directly opposite to theirs. Again, without them being
aware, they appreciate and accept the concept of diversity. They are able to empathise

with others, which is a very important life skill.
Because the information contained in these stories is neither a fact, nor scientifically
proven, it serves to develop flexible and critical thinking skills about making choices
and taking decisions. It is open to interpretation, hence helps in developing initiative

and problem solving skills in their audience. It also gives wings to the imagination of
the listener.

It is interesting to note that, though from different origins and belonging to radically
different ethnicities, these mythologies and folklore talk about the same things : being
a good human being and following the golden rule among others.

generation — people born around same time; succumb — surrender; treatise — documents;
mythologies — folklore of different cultures and religions; refrain — melody.

English-8 17