WITH EACH INVENTION OF A NEW KNOWLEDGE MEDIUM...

Technology inherently replaces the obsolete to a varying degree. One should view different knowledge mediums pseudo technology in of themselves. Each medium can be thought of as an invention or revolution in the way humans think. While no knowledge medium is ever completely eradicated, history shows that each newly invented medium replaces the previous medium as the dominate way to communicate knowledge. 

Final Post: Community and Communication

This morning we gathered in small groups to discuss each unit covered in the course (folk knowledge, oral knowledge, written knowledge, print knowledge). I enjoyed getting some new perspectives on my thoughts on the connection between the mode of communication and the type of community formed. The last rotation, focused on print knowledge with Brianne and Montana, was particularly helpful. In my notes for the final, I mentioned my impression that studying different mechanisms of communicating knowledge affected how our group interacted; discussing with my classmates helped my expand that idea to the cultures that we studied in the course. The broader the reach of the a type of knowledge, the larger but less intimate community it forms. 

Oral Knowledge: Spirituality and Religious Practice

Oral Knowledge: Spirituality and Religious Practice

            Within history, oral knowledge has had a more powerful effect upon spirituality and religious practice than other types of knowledge. Word of mouth has been more influential upon religion, because it is considered a more sacred means of communicating and relaying knowledge, it is personable to religious followers, and it is a means of communication that has paved the way for other areas of knowledge.

Learning is the Purpose... Or is it to Produce a Paper?

A master of comic rhyme in our time, I had to add him in. :-)

I have had a marvelous time learning all about Rhyming and its origins and development in the English language, but no matter how much I research, I can't seem to find the information I am looking for.  I can't find evidence to support the connections that I have hunches for, but I have found a lot of great information on the device of rhyme and its history throughout our society.  So I am afraid that I am going to write a thesis paper on what I have been learning about even though it doesn't necessarily correlate with the topic assigned to me. 

(I am building my argument... please keep reading...)

Questions, With No Real Answers

So what does it mean to "write it down"? To save a piece of information by putting it in a book, on a sticky note, or in a planner? To write/(take) notes instead of just listening? To send a handwritten letter or card, as opposed to a store-bought one, or even an email? How does the significance of writing versus memorization compare in our time? How would it have compared in the time periods we are discussing?

I really didn't do much research for this post, but I am enjoying the thought experiment.  "Critically" thinking about what we have learned about writing so far, and how it has changed our perspective on the world, and how it must have changed the ancients' perspectives.  So I am basically answering the previous questions with my personal, educated opinions, and I want this post to open the blog to yours too.

The King's Speech

So I don't know why I didn't put this on our blog a few weeks ago, but it is the video of our class midterm.  It is a memorized choral recitation of King Benjamin's speech from the Book of Mormon.  I won't say much about it, we'll let the words speak for themselves.

#2 - Talking to an Academic Professional

During my research on the Phoenicians, I had the opportunity to explore several aspects of their culture and understanding. My interview with Professor Hamblin here at BYU confirmed a lot of my knowledge about the culture and their educational practices, and also brought to light a few of the details that I missed.  Overall, it was an interesting experience to meet with him, because I didn't know him at all, and he didn't know me, (I don't think he even learned my name) and the first time we talked I called him and asked if I could interview him (after doing my research on different professors' specialties).  So picture this, well, awkward setting, when I show up to speak to him during his office hours, though it is an appointment, and he is late because of a department staff meeting, and we finally sit down and I start asking questions and he gives answers and I take some very messy notes.  Below is basically what I learned from our discussion about the Phoenicians and their culture and oral tradition.  

Choices, Choices! #1 - Children’s Stories, From Africa to Mulberry Street

I hope that over the course of today, I will be able to add the other two blog posts that I hope to write, and you can pick which one you would like to comment on (though if you are feeling adventurous, you can comment to all three).  The other two will be a response to Dr. Burton's post on Syllabi and a commentary about my interview with an Ancient Near Eastern Studies Professor on the Phoenicians.  I am excited to write them and share my experiences, and I hope you enjoy reading.  

This past Friday, I did something atypical, and got a few strange looks because of it.  I attended the weekly Storytime at the Museum of Peoples and Cultures, and learned about the role of spiders in African and Caribbean folklore.  The other patrons at the event were mothers and grandmothers of toddlers, and of course the children themselves.  After the stories, we made our own spiders by tracing our hands without our thumbs and I helped a mother of 3 cut out her son’s paper hands.  It was a neat experience for me, and something I would like to repeat. 

The Mycenaeans Continued.

Sorry for the late post! I was unable to conduct my interview for this week, so instead I decided to focus more on the transfer of knowledge within the Mycenaean (Greek) culture.

Like I noted in my previous post, there were different social classes among the Mycenaeans, the king (or rulers), palace men and the peasants. But even though "there was a distinct pecking order within this highly structured society...it was not overwhelmingly oppressive" (Rodney Castleden 84). Because of this, the lower class members of society had considerable freedom of action, which allowed them to speak their mind and pass on oral information without much censorship by those in power.

Socrates.

During this time, knowledge was passed on verbally through mentors. Philosophers such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle verbally communicated their ideas and thoughts with their mentors and students through the questioning and debate methods.

As citizens began to develop a better understanding of oral communication, the development of two different dialects began to occur. "The Mycenaeans spoke at least two different dialects, unrelated to the different Greek dialects of later times" (Castledon 89). One dialect was used by the upper class scribes. They used their spoken dialect when using Linear B writing system, a written form of communication that the Mycenaeans are most known for. The other dialect which sometimes appears in the Linear B tablets seems to reflect how the lower class citizens spoke.

Plato.

Aristotle.

This form of writing tells of the Trojan War, mentioned in Homer's epic poems. It is unsure if the Trojan war had anything to do with the downfall of the Mycenaean Civilization, however, it is known that the Mycenaean Civilization fell shortly after (within two decades).

Today, much of what we know about the Mycenaean language and culture has been passed down mostly through written history. "The language of the Mycenaeans, however did survive, as Greek, and from what we have seen some of their history and poetry survived too, in the tradition preserved in Homer" (Castleden 229).

Castleden, Rodney. Myceneans. New York: Routledge, 2005. Print.

A) True B) False C) Other

The last few weeks I have posted a bit about the Hopi and their oral history.  First I gave a bit of an overview of their beliefs and then I posted more about their story and legends of how the Hopi people came to arrive here.  This week I want to talk a little more about how these stories are passed on and may evolve over time.  The picture below is of some Hopi kachina dolls.  Kachina in the Hopi tradition are spirit beings that represent anything in the natural world or in the cosmos.  They are said to have power over the many elements.

Hopi Kachina Dolls

Oral Education and the Etruscan World, part 2

Last week, I posted about education in the Etruscan world, based on my reading on the topic. Earlier today, I posted a bit about the process it has been to try and contact someone for an oral interview this week. It was really a lot more work than I planned to put into this class. However, something finally came through! 

Library Experiences!!

Since we are doing oral knowledge, I woud like to tell a story with my post, that has to do with the Phoenicians, education, and unfortunate events.

A couple of days ago, I did a little research on the subject librarians at the Harold B. Lee Library (I learned that they existed through my honors writing class last year).  I found one that dealt with ancient history and the middle east, a Mr. Ryan Combs, and I thought 'perfect'! Yesterday, I got up the courage to go ask for help on my research about the Phoenicians and I am so glad I went.  I had to nervously stand out side his office for a few minutes after I realized that he was actually in there, studying the books on a nearby shelf and telling myself that I was silly not to ask for help.  Finally, I went and stood in the doorway and knocked lightly on the metal door frame. He looked up, turned off whatever game he was watching, and invited me in.  I stepped into the room and explained who I was and what I was looking for, all in a crazy rush, hoping to convey in as few words as possible the topics and assignment that I was trying to learn about.  He immediately turned back to the computer and started typing,  then almost absent-mindedly invited me to sit down.  I got out a pen and a notecard, and we started our discussion on the library's resources on the Phoenicians.

Preserve the Maya language!

Talking with Jose Canché was a bit surreal and very interesting. He is a member from one of the wards I served in on my mission in Los Angeles. I met him because he approached us asking us if we knew of a way he could get a Book of Mormon in Maya (officially classified by linguists as Maya- Yucatán). Yes, the same language passed down from the mysterious Ancient Mayan people. Jose is from Guatemala near the Yucatán peninsula in Mexico. He grew up speaking the language Maya. It isn't one of the 22 or so dialects found in Guatemala, rather it is simply Maya. 

map of the Ancient Mayan empire (green)

The Mycenaean Civilization.

The Mycenaean Civilization developed around 1900 BC, during the "Bronze Age," in the southern area of Ancient Greece. During this time, Mycenae was known as an area that contributed to the growth and development of surrounding city-states, such as the more famous Athens, Pylos, Thebes, and Tiryns.

This era was known as the Bronze Age because the development of many metal weapons rapidly flourished. A sense of protection for the homeland increased, and most likely lead to, the formation of strong city-states. This theme of the homeland can be seen in Homer's Odyssey, an epic poem that was traditionally read orally, until eventually recorded and passed on through written text. One example of the love that the people of Mycenae have for their home can be compared to Odysseus' desire to return home. In the poem, a character named Calypso states:

"So then,
royal son of Laertes, Odysseus, man of exploits,
still eager to leave at once and hurry back
to your own home, your beloved native land?"

Mycenae was divided into two parts of land. The palace land and the communal land. The palace land housed the many rulers and attendants who conducted administrative duties at the palace. In the communal land resided those who were obliged to perform duties and pay taxes. These people consisted of craftsman, farmers, merchants, etc.

Although one could distinguish between social classes at this time, there was hardly any differentiation between religious classes. No priest class has been identified to date, however, those who were worshiped (rulers, Greek Gods, etc.) were identified from those who were worshiping (farmers, peasants, slaves, etc.) by certain gestures made at religious events.

Myths of Greek Gods and other various creatures or characters who were worshiped and/or feared developed at this time and were passed on by word of mouth. Many of these myths can be found in homer's Iliad, and again in Odyssey. Both epic poems were originally spoken by mouth and passed on by people to people until they were recorded as written text.

Odysseus escaping a Cyclops.

Homer. The Odyssey. Trans. Robert Fagles. New York: Viking, 1996.

The Travelers

In last week's post I introduced the native-american Hopi culture.  The Hopi are a native-american people who currently live in the "four-corners" area of the United States (principally in Arizona).  After talking just a bit with my sister who has done some research and has an interest in the Hopi, I also decided that I would like to learn more.  I drove over to her house in American Fork and borrowed her copy of Book of the Hopi by Frank Walters which i mentioned last week.  This past week I have been reading it and have learned a lot about the oral tradition of the Hopi people.

This is the emergence symbol.
It symbolizes Mother Earth and her enveloping arms.

I will try to briefly summarize the basic oral history of the Hopi here.  Basically, under the direction of the supreme Creator, Taiowa, his nephew, Sótuknang, and the Spider Woman created various worlds.  Humans were then placed lived in the First World.  When the people that lived there became corrupt and stopped living up to the purpose of their creation, the First World was destroyed by fire and only those who had kept the "door on the top of their heads" open were saved by entering a kiva and living with the ant people while the Second World was created. (The "door" is the soft spot that babies have and is symbolic of being spiritually in tune with with Sótuknang because it is the path of spiritual communication with him.)

Oral Education in the Etruscan World

The Etruscan Civilization flourished in what is now Central Italy from about 800 to 264 BC. While evidence would suggest that the Etruscans were highly educated and productive in their scholarship, almost no evidence remains of that scholarship in the form of texts or records. However, there is some evidence that the Etruscans employed such practices as haruspicy and taught and learned in special institutes, kind of like universities. 

Phoenicia = Purple

The Phoenicians are famous in history for a variety of things - the invention of the "first" alphabet, their amazing purple dye, the cedars of Lebanon, and their great trading ships.  However, oral histories and educational institutes were apparently not one of them.  Or at least not any that we are aware of today, because although they invented a 26- and 22-letter alphabet system that simplified the Egyptian language, they kept their records mostly on papyrus, which decays over time.  Though based on other aspects of their society, I will try and construct some understanding of what their education and oral tradition might have been like.

The Cedar is an important carry-over from ancient times, and is on the modern flag of Lebanon.

When is good?

Okay, guys. We need to figure out a time when we can meet to make our video conversation for this unit. I realized that I don't actually have all of your email addresses (how did that happen?), so I'm posting the link here. I'm assuming that no one who isn't one of us in Group 6 will be interested in when we're available to meet. All you have to do is click on the link below, and it will take you to a website where you will click on all of the boxes for times in which you are available. Everyone do this as soon as you get a chance, because then we can figure out a good time right away.

http://whenisgood.net/g3ycqyt

Thanks everyone! 

Jewish Talmud: To Write or Not to Write? What a Complicated Question!!

The majority of people even slightly rehearsed in Global religions know what the Torah is.  In a general sense it is the Bible of the Jews, containing the books of Moses and the majority of the same books as our King James Version of the Old Testament, just under different headings. 

However, have you ever heard of the Talmud?  This book is another form of Hebrew scripture that originates between 200-100 B.C.  and pertains to folk knowledge because before it was written down and codified, the Talmud was a collection of knowledge that was passed down orally.  The origins of the Talmud are seated in the Jewish belief that along with the written law that the Lord gave Moses on Mount Sinai, He also gave Moses a set of Oral Laws.  This Oral Law was handed down since that time, and added to by the great Jewish thinkers, priests, and rabbis as the centuries progressed and they gained more knowledge about the Written Law and interpreted it more and more.