Jutukõnes

Jutukõnes is a term in Estonian that refers to a storytelling performance or a narrative speech. It is formed from the words jutt, meaning “story” or “tale,” and kõne, meaning “speech” or “talk.” The expression denotes a mode of narration in which events are recounted in an oral, continuous form, with emphasis on characters, plot, and progression.

In traditional and contemporary Estonian usage, jutukõnes describes the way a storyteller presents a tale to an audience. It often implies a performative aspect, where rhythm, repetition, timing, and vocal delivery contribute to the effect of the story. The concept is commonly discussed in contexts related to oral tradition, folklore, and narrative techniques in literature and media.

Relation to other terms: jutukõne is related to jutt (story, tale), jutustada (to tell a story), and jutustus (narrative or short story). While a written narrative focuses on text, jutukõne emphasizes voice, audience reception, and the spoken delivery of a story, making it a distinct, performative form within Estonian storytelling.

Usage and significance: Jutukõnes is used to describe storytelling in education, folklore studies, theatre, radio, podcasts, and other media where spoken narrative is central. It highlights the cultural value placed on oral storytelling as a means of communication, entertainment, and the transmission of norms and traditions.

See also: Estonian folklore, oral tradition, storytelling, narratology.