Here's another question:

Are we also considering the source of the singer's material when you label it and him/her traditional or not?

Included in my concerts are an eclectic mix of "old" songs--music hall ditties, hankie soakers, songs documenting history or struggle which have composers duly noted. I may sing a song or two that I've written that have the sound of age, but that's because I set out to make 'em that way.

But the largest portion of songs I've chosen to learn and sing are traditional. BUT...not from MY tradition or culture, and not orally transmitted from anyone my family. Others have done the tough job of collection and compiling those songs for me. I may treasure them, then pass them on with respect and joy for others to understand and appreciate. Some of us come by our songs via scholars' efforts...are we traditional singers?