oralist

An oralist is an individual who favors oral traditions, communication, and expression over written or recorded forms. The term is often used in the context of cultural studies, anthropology, and linguistics to describe communities or individuals who prioritize spoken language and storytelling over written texts. Oralists typically rely on memory, repetition, and performance to preserve and transmit knowledge, beliefs, and histories.

Oral traditions are prevalent in many indigenous cultures around the world, where storytelling, songs, and rituals are central to community life. These traditions often serve as a means of social cohesion, cultural identity, and resistance against external influences. Oralists may also include individuals who use spoken language as a primary means of expression, such as poets, orators, and public speakers.

In contrast to oralists, literate individuals or communities prefer written communication and documentation. The distinction between oralists and literates is not always clear-cut, as many people and cultures incorporate both oral and written traditions into their practices.

The study of oral traditions and oralists is an important area of research in anthropology and linguistics, as it provides insights into the ways in which knowledge is transmitted, preserved, and transformed across generations and cultures.