Ethnopoetics is the approach to oral poetry that looks at "poetry on its own terms." It looks at the specific structure and code of each poem and of each tradition. The three Rs of the Ethnopoetic approach are Reading, Representing, and Reperforming. The originators of this method include Dennis Tedlock and Dell Hymes. (Foley 2002)
- "Ethnopoetics aims at rebuilding the living organism of oral poetry instead of rummaging through its calcified bones." How to Read an Oral Poem
Three Rs[]
Reading[]
To hear and understand the performance aspects of the oral poetry. Because of its orality, the "reading" is more of an "understanding" it on it's own terms. This part includes the facts of the performance that usually get lost when transcribed onto paper such as voice quality, volume control, intonation, and silence.
Representing[]
Rather than looking at or trying to study an oral poem or a specific tradition through the lens of another form of poetry, generally European print poetry, the Ethnopoetic approach encourages that we look at each poem in the terms of the specific tradition of which it is a part. This also includes the importance of collecting and transcribing not only the text of a performance, but also the nonverbal aspects. The poem should be represented not just with words, but with a key as to how it was originally performed:
- "I sat on the bench" would typically mean that "sat" was either louder or more forceful than the rest, while the pitch of "en" of "bench" was higher.
Reperforming[]
The Reading and Representing steps are crucial for Reperforming to occur. Without proper attention to the nonverbal details of the original performance and without including them in a transcription for yourself or another person, the reader is unable to understand the full effect or meaning of the poem.
External Links[]
- Buffalo.edu -- Dennis Tedlock's definition of Ethnopoetics
- Wikipedia.org -- Ethnopoetics at Wikipedia
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Navigation: Twbtg2 - Abstract - Table of Contents - All Articles - Suggested Routes - Sources |
The Scenic Route Twbtg2 → Abstract → Table of Contents → Trickster story type → Coyote → List and maps of Native American tribes → Ethnopoetics → Coyote Races Buffalo (Talk) → Source:Calvin Grinnell → Coyote and Junco (Talk) → Performance Theory → Coyote and Turtle Story (Talk) → Don't Be Too Curious (Talk) → Immanent Art → Rabbit's Short Tail (Talk) → Coyote Steals a Drink (Talk) → The Coyote & The Prairie Dog (Talk) → Sources → Other Routes |
The Beginners Route Ethnopoetics → Performance Theory → Immanent Art → How to Read an Oral Poem → More Routes |
The Less is More Route
Abstract → Trickster story type → Performance Theory → Coyote and Turtle Story → Don't Be Too Curious → Sources → Other Routes
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