Final answer:
The West Indian storytelling tradition is characterized as imaginative and exaggerated, with a focus on vibrant, humorous, and engaging narrative techniques that paint a rich picture of the cultural heritage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The West Indian way of spreading folklore can best be described as imaginative and exaggerated. This storytelling tradition embraces colorful and vivid representations of African narratives in the West. Mentioned in the reference, John Lok's tradition emphasizes Sub-Saharan Africa as an exotic land, which is evident in the portrayal of people and places, often depicting them as vastly different or 'other'. This portrayal is captured through rich descriptions that enhance the narrative and engage listeners or readers, taking them on a journey of fantasy and wonder that can be humorous and engaging.
Folk tales often rely on strong imagery to captivate an audience, focusing on the landscape, island, weather, and characteristics such as the looks of characters, as well as sensory details like colors and sounds. This approach to storytelling is part of a longstanding oral tradition, where the exaggeration and humor serve to entertain, but may also contribute to a broader conversation about cultural identity and heritage.