Exploring Culture Via Folktales (Podcast)

Another way that we can come to understand another culture is via it's folktales and folklore. Folklore can be defined as the traditional beliefs, myths, tales, and practices of a people, transmitted orally.  Folktales are important because they help us understand the underlying aspects of culture which include views about leadership, tolerance of change, beliefs about human nature, what motivates people in daily life, etc. 

In searching for folktales to use in a podcast, I found a Chinese folktale read in Spanish by a person who is from Spain as you will note from the accent. However, I chose this particular tale because I believe it is an engaging opportunity to look at yet another culture while practicing the language you are learning, in essence, giving you the opportunity to increase your cultural awareness in yet another area.

After viewing the podcast, open up your email and answer the questions posted below. Submit your responses to me by e-mail at tcwright@clayton.k12.ga.us. Downlaod or view this folktale on your IPOD, MP3 player, or laptop here:

http://www.bookbox.com/view_online.php?pid=69#p0 

Preguntas de comprehensíon (Contesta en español)

1.  ¿Cuál cosa mala occurió en el pequeño reino?

2. ¿Qué hizo el rey para ayudar a los pescadores y campesinos? 

3. ¿Qué encontró el general que fue para al norte en la cueva de la montaña?

4. ¿Qué hicieron la gente con la semilla de agua? 

5. ¿Cómo terminó el cuento?

Pensamientos culturales (Answer in English)

1. How would you describe the people who created the folktale's perception of their leadership? How is it demonstrated in their actions? 

2. What kept the general who traveled to the North motivated in his mission when others had given up? Was it concern for the people or moreso a fear of letting down the king? 

3. What do the actions of the people at the end of the folktale lead us to understand about the people who created it?