Geirar

Geirar is a term used in cultural studies to describe a participatory process by which communities actively reframe and narrate their collective past by recombining elements of history, myth, and symbol into a coherent and usable narrative. The concept foregrounds communal agency in memory production and highlights how memory serves social purposes, governance, and identity formation. Geirar differs from conventional historiography in that it emphasizes oral practice, ritualized performance, and adaptability to changing circumstances rather than strict chronological documentation.

Origins and scope: The term geirar was introduced in scholarly discussions of memory economies in the early 21st century. It refers to a broad family of practices found in many cultures where groups curate past narratives to sustain cohesion, legitimacy, or continuity through generations. It is not a fixed narrative but a flexible repertoire that can incorporate new events, interpretations, and symbols.

Mechanisms: The geirar process typically involves three interrelated activities: selection (choosing which events and figures are emphasized), alignment (reconciling competing interpretations to achieve communal agreement), and diffusion (sharing and reinforcing the narrative through festivals, education, media, and daily talk). It relies on oral storytelling, performative reenactments, material culture, and digital media to circulate memory.

Critique and significance: Proponents argue geirar supports social resilience, intergenerational learning, and cultural innovation. Critics warn that it can suppress dissenting histories or privilege symbolic narratives over empirical analysis, leading to contested identities or competing narratives.

See also: memory culture, folklore, oral history, collective memory, memory politics.