Storytelling
Storytelling offers an exciting opportunity to bring the world to your library, no matter how big or small, homogenous or diverse your community. Storytelling can be used to promote awareness of various cultures in a community and around the world. There are two aspects to encouraging this kind of cultural appreciation. One is being aware of and respecting differences. The other aspect is that learning about other cultures can point out similarities between people. Describing why telling stories from around the world is so important to him, storyteller George Crafts writes, “I want them [children] to glimpse the many differences between the peoples of this world, and at the same time, to perceive that there are important things human beings have in common. An appealing story may entice children from another culture to find out more about the country or group of people from which the story comes. Or it may inspire children from the culture to learn more of their own roots.” (Crafts, 415)
Constance Mellon notes three reasons why storytelling in particular is suited for raising “cultural appreciation.” As folk literature originated in the oral tradition, “the best way to help children understand the oral tradition is by demonstrating it.” (Mellon, 307) Secondly, Mellon notes the special relationship between teller and audience. And the third reason is that “the ability to tell stories increases the range of folk literature upon which you can draw.” (Mellon, 307). Many cultures and countries are not represented in children’s books. The United States does not publish many books in translation, especially in comparison to many other countries. For some parts of the world, folktales are the only stories available. For example, although there are only a few picture books from Africa published each year, there is a rich oral heritage of folk literature to draw upon. Being able to tell a story opens more windows into other countries and cultures.
Constance Mellon notes three reasons why storytelling in particular is suited for raising “cultural appreciation.” As folk literature originated in the oral tradition, “the best way to help children understand the oral tradition is by demonstrating it.” (Mellon, 307) Secondly, Mellon notes the special relationship between teller and audience. And the third reason is that “the ability to tell stories increases the range of folk literature upon which you can draw.” (Mellon, 307). Many cultures and countries are not represented in children’s books. The United States does not publish many books in translation, especially in comparison to many other countries. For some parts of the world, folktales are the only stories available. For example, although there are only a few picture books from Africa published each year, there is a rich oral heritage of folk literature to draw upon. Being able to tell a story opens more windows into other countries and cultures.
As we share others’ stories, it is important to be mindful of explaining the context, the origin of the story, and giving credit to that culture. Look for source notes. When possible, give some background on the story: where is it from? what is the context? where did you hear it or learn about it? When we do so, we honor that culture and teach children to honor differences as well. Although it does sound idealistic, the whole idea of promoting global awareness through empathy and the power of story, perhaps, for all its idealism, it is a goal worth pursuing.