This quote discusses a project assignment where students are tasked with gathering folklore through interviews. Essentially, they need to collect stories or pieces of traditional culture by talking to family members, friends, or even acquaintances who agree to be informants for their research.
On a deeper level, this statement emphasizes the importance of firsthand experience and engagement in cultural studies. It encourages students to actively seek out and document oral traditions, which are often passed down through generations within families and communities. By collecting these stories directly from people they know, students can gain insight into the nuances and variations of folklore that might not be captured in written records or secondary sources. This process also fosters a sense of connection between past and present, as well as between individuals who share their personal narratives.
The quote is attributed to Alan Dundes, an American folklorist renowned for his extensive contributions to the field of cultural anthropology and folklore studies. Dundes was known for his keen interest in exploring how traditions are maintained and transformed within societies, making this advice on engaging with folklore through direct interaction particularly fitting for his body of work.
