Folklore tradition is oral literature. Singers
of oral songs and performers of various arts are good sources of
data about folklore. Such collection of data leads to field research.
This lesson explains both these aspects.
Folksongs deal with the subjects of Gods, rain
and famine, lullaby, games, love, marriage, family, society, ploughing
and related work and death. Thus the different stages of human life
can be understood from these songs. The structures of family, and
society can be analysed.
Data can be primary and secondary based on the possible
collection by observation, interview and questionnaires on the one
hand and newspapers. magazines, research journals and media presentation
on the other.
Observations can be participant, non-participant and
arranged. Interviews can be structured or unstruchured. Questionnaires
may require assistance and cooperation from the subjects and others.
On learning this lesson you will be able to understand
practical problems in collecting necessary data and the pre-requisities
of a good researcher. Folklore creators’ involement and hesitation
should be handled effectively.
