1. Native American Literature

2. Talking Point
How do you or people that you know celebrate heritage and culture?

3. Osiyo!

4. Native American Literature: Background
Storytelling is the primary means by which Native American literature came into existence.
Most Native American literature falls under the umbrella of oral tradition, or literature that is passed on from generation to generation by word of mouth
There are many myths in Native American literature. A myth is a story that offers an explanation for why things are the way they are.

5. Understanding Cultural Characteristics
When we read works by members of different cultures, it is important to recognize differences in literary traditions.
In Native American literature, pieces were handed down orally, and some of these pieces may lose some of their power in written form. As we read, try to imagine each piece being spoken to a skilled storyteler to an eager audience.

6. Characteristics of Native American literature
Stories used to teach moral lessons and convey information about the natural world
Cyclical worldview
Inclusive view of the natural world
Presence of a trickster character
Belief in the power of words to effect supernatural change
Repetition of language (words, phrases, sentences)

7. Literary Focus: Archetype
An archetype is a very old imaginative pattern in literature
Appears across cultures and centuries
Includes characters, plots, images, themes, and settings
Examples from fairy tales?

8. Academic Vocabulary Aspect (noun) Cite (verb) Contemporary (adjective)
part
Cite (verb)
To give as an example
Contemporary (adjective)
Living or happening at the same time
Interpret (verb)
To explain the meaning of
Perspective (noun)
Point of view

9. Vocabulary Endures (verb) Inhabited (adjective) Revive (verb)
Keeps on; continues
Inhabited (adjective)
Lived in
Revive (verb)
Return to life
Determined (verb)
Decided; concluded