Musiquue 174 To answer your questions.
1. Come from a naval port and have heard songs over a number of years sung in local folk clubs. later attendence at Lanchershire Sea Shanty festival and Festivals of the Sea and other festival sing arounds.
2. I learn songs from having heard others sing them. From joining in choruses. From books. from records, tapes. cd's discs. from internet searches. Also have written a couple based upon myself and friends experiences upon the sea. (usually parodies)Usually sing the songs repeatedly (much to the annoyance of my wife family, neighbours and small birds) whilst in the shower. Have been known to practice songs up mountains, Seems to entertain French mountain goats for some reason.
3. No
4. See question two
5. I believe the internet to be most helpful in widening the opportunity to access songs and to claify what I have heard sung.
Hope this helps your assignment. Psychomorris