Question

In the following answer choices, the best example of a literary tradition is: A. the diffusion of television and radio broadcasts. B. the religious rituals and traditions of ancient European civilizations. C. the oral traditions of Australia's Aborigines that were passed down from generation to generation without the aid or writing. D. the historical documents and religious texts of the ancient Maya that were partly destroyed by Spanish conquerors. E. the variety of dialects in a language used in obscure examples of spoken poetry.

Answer 1

Option C, the oral traditions of Australia's Aborigines, is the best example of a literary tradition, as it emphasizes cultural preservation through oral storytelling and performance, closely tying current generations with their ancestors.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best example of a literary tradition among the answer choices given is option C. The oral traditions of Australia's Aborigines that were passed down from generation to generation without the aid or writing. This practice of storytelling is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious practices of Indigenous Australian peoples, commonly referred to as Dreamtime. These oral traditions play a crucial role in preserving their history and culture, infusing everyday life with profound meaning and direction influenced by their belief systems.

Unlike written traditions that rely on sacred texts and documents, oral traditions like those of the Aborigines rely on performance and storytelling in a communal setting, often integrating song, dance, and ceremony. These traditions have a cyclical view of time and see the past as repeating in cycles, maintaining a vibrant connection between present generations and their ancestors.

Therefore, answer C aligns most closely with the concept of a literary tradition as it pertains to the perpetuation of cultural, religious, and historical narratives through oral practice and performance rather than through written documentation.