Telling traditional stories that are culturally based, usually featuring extraordinary beings and events which take place in the ordinary realm of human time - "once upon a time", rather than in mythic time - "in the beginning", but suggesting the time of peoples ordinary experience. They provide people with the wisdom of tradition and have a quality of entertainment.
Context:
Folktales have been used throughout history. They take many forms, including oral tradition, ballads, ethnic mythology, dramas, festivals and stories. In modern times it is sometimes used to promote organizational and governmental policies.
Implementation:
Folk literature is used to teach and remind people of their cultural tradition and of social mores.
Claim:
1. Folklore satisfies peoples' desire to transcend their mundane world. 2. It provides answers to perennial questions. 3. It supports the institutions and behaviour patterns in a culture. 4. It provides instruction as to the necessary and advisable ways to act in society.
Counter Claim:
1. Folklore reinforces cultural traditions which can be unhelpful, such as racism. 2. It gives people unreal expectations.