Tarinaperinne

Tarinaperinne is a Finnish term that literally translates as "story tradition" and commonly denotes the body of oral storytelling practices, narratives and related customs within a community. It encompasses myths, legends, folktales, personal narratives and performative forms that are transmitted across generations by word of mouth.

As an element of intangible cultural heritage, tarinaperinne serves multiple social functions: it preserves collective memory, communicates values and norms, educates younger generations, and provides entertainment. Storytelling can take place in domestic, ritual, educational and public settings, and often involves distinctive performance techniques, formulaic language and symbolic motifs that aid memorization and variation.

Forms associated with tarinaperinne range from epic poetry and traditional folktales to local legends and eyewitness accounts. Transmission methods have evolved from face-to-face narration to printed collections, radio and film, and more recently digital media and community archiving. Adaptation and reinterpretation are common, allowing stories to remain relevant while reflecting social change.

Scholarly study of tarinaperinne draws on folklore studies, ethnography, oral history and literary analysis. Researchers document, classify and analyze narratives to understand their themes, structures and cultural roles. Efforts to preserve tarinaperinne include field recordings, museum and archive collections, storytelling festivals and educational programs that support both conservation and living practice.