Memory in oral traditions : the cognitive psychology of epic, ballads, and counting-out rhymes
Long studied by anthropologists, historians, and linguists, oral traditions have provided a wealth of fascinating insights into unique cultural customs that span the history of humankind. In this groundbreaking work, cognitive psychologist David C. Rubin offers for the first time an accessible, comprehensive examination of what such traditions can tell us about the inner workings of human memory. Focusing in particular on their three major forms of organization - theme, imagery, and sound patternRubin proposes a model of recall, and uses it to uncover the mechanisms of memory that underlie genres such as epics, ballads, and counting-out rhymes. The book concludes with an engaging discussion of how conversions from speech to writing can predict how computer technologies will affect the conventions of future communication. Throughout, Rubin presents the results of important original research as well as new perspectives on classical subjects
Electronic books
xi, 385 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm
9780195082111, 9780195120325, 0195082117, 0195120329
30068056
The representation of themes in memory
Imagery
Sound
Combining constraints
The transmission of oral traditions,
Basic observations on remembering
A theory of remembering for oral traditions
Epic and formulaic theory
Counting-out rhymes
North Carolina Ballads
Discussion