Final answer:
The term 'formulaic language' refers to the standard linguistic elements used in oral storytelling within the Anglo-Saxon tradition, contributing to the preservation and transmission of cultural narratives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The standard repertoire of language used as go-to building blocks for the oral composition of stories within the Anglo-Saxon tradition is referred to as formulaic language. The use of formulaic language is evident in the oral culture of many societies, including the Germanic peoples who transmitted traditions such as the Song of Hildebrand and the Song of the Nibelungs. This method relied on repetition, narration, and phrases that allowed for the memorizing and conveying of stories through generations before the advent of written records.
The Anglo-Saxon narrative poetry was known for its oral-formulaic character, which included repetitive phrases and narrative structures that made it easier for storytellers to recall and compose tales on the fly. These oral traditions formed the basis of much of our current literary heritage and were eventually recorded into texts, serving as a precursor to written literature across various cultures.