Oral genealogy and ancestral narratives among the Altai Uriankhai (Quest for the core of oral tradition)
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| Year of publication | 2023 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
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| Description | Genealogy plays a particular role in the orally transmitted memory of the past. Among the Altai Uriankhai the transmission of genealogical knowledge is the only part of the knowledge of history, whose active learning and memorization by children is consciously supported in the traditional society. The main meaning attributed to active genealogical knowledge is the prevention of endogamous marriages. The local oral tradition offers brief memorized lists of ancestral sequences in the male line as well as ancestral narratives describing origins of the family and less systematized narratives interpreting character traits and significant actions of certain ancestors. The process of telling genealogies is not only a conscious reminder of the past or a matter of family honor, but expresses the belief that actions of past generations have a direct impact on the lives of current generations. The oral genealogies are genealogies of blessings and good fortune, but can also touch genealogies of misfortune - especially when talking about extinct families without descendants. |
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