"All folk songs started somewhere Ged" Granted, but I'd hoped not to drop into the abyss of "the origin of folk songs" only to consider the importance or otherwise of origin when referring to "oral tradition." From what you've said I understand that the origin only partly determines whether a song can be considered part of the oral tradition of a community. A song originating within a community and continuing in use, whether modified or not, is part of the community's oral tradition. A song originating outside a community can be absorbed into the community and can be considered part of that community's oral tradition when it has been shaped by the community. Yes?
|