Final answer:
The folk style of psalm singing known as lining out did not involve learning hymns from notation but rather through repetition after a leader. It was a practice born out of necessity in communities with low literacy rates and has significantly influenced African American musical culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The folk style of psalm singing known as lining out or 'line singing' did not require learning hymns from notation. This practice evolved as a necessity because many members of the church congregations, particularly in poorer white and African American communities, could not read or afford hymnbooks. Instead, a preacher or deacon would sing or recite the lines of a hymn, and the congregation would repeat them back. The style became a significant part of American folk music and influenced the creation of African American musical culture, including the blues. Lining out emerged from England and became popular among white and black Baptists in America. It persisted in regions where literacy rates were low and has been preserved in some black churches, particularly Primitive Baptist congregations.