Final answer:
The term for transferring cultural knowledge between generations or cultures is oral tradition. It is a fundamental component of cultural transmission, which includes the inherited values, beliefs, and norms taught through both formal education and informal social practices. Oral tradition is central to cultures that convey their heritage verbally.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used for the transference of stories, songs, and cultural knowledge from one generation to another, or from one culture to another, is oral tradition. Oral tradition is a key aspect of cultural transmission, which encompasses the ways people learn the values, beliefs, and social norms of their culture. This process occurs both within formal education settings, such as learning about historical cultural aspects in a classroom, and through informal means, like social interactions and practices. Oral traditions are crucial for cultures that rely on verbal communication to preserve their heritage, as exemplified by Indigenous Australian peoples with their Dreamtime stories and rituals.
Moreover, cultural exchange, although related, usually refers to the sharing or blending of cultural traits or artifacts between cultures. This is different from the one-way passage of knowledge typical of oral tradition. The understanding and perpetuation of cultural heritage through oral tradition are invaluable for maintaining a connection to the past and for the endurance of culture over time. This shared and accumulated knowledge that is passed down is a testament to the human ability to preserve and evolve culture through generations.