Determining the Cultural Identity of a Child through Folk Literature

Ekaterina P. Stavrou^1,

¹Doctor of University of Ioannina Greece, Special Educator, Kindergarten teacher Scientific associate- Instructor at Technological Institute of Epirus, Ioannina (Greece)

Cite this paper:
Ekaterina P. Stavrou. Determining the Cultural Identity of a Child through Folk Literature. American Journal of Educational Research. 2015; 3(4):527-534. doi: 10.12691/education-3-4-20

Abstract

The concept of cultural identity is characterized by many dimensions and being investigated in several studies of culture and many social theories. Cultural identity is recognized and determined through the interplay of different identifying elements such as location, language, ethnicity, myths, religious culture, history, art and traditions that make up the national cultural heritage. Folk Literature is a prime scientific area through which a child develops his identity and physiognomy, as it points out the diverse nature of things during the pedagogical process. This fact should be taken into account by educators so that they can substantially and effectively guide children to find real truth and knowledge and, at the same time, realize their true essence through tradition. Therefore, tradition, which involves the cultural heritage of centuries, has the power to consciously or unconsciously penetrate into the soul of a child, which shapes his identity at an immature stage of development. Our intervention focuses on folk tales, folk songs, proverbs, myths and legends.

Keywords:
child cultural identity folk culture folk literature

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