Cross-cultural forager myth transmission rules: Implications for the emergence of cumulative culture

Evolution and Human Behavior • Vol/Iss. N/A • Elsevier • • Published In • Pages: ??•
By Scalise Sugiyama, Michelle, Reilly, Kieran J.

Abstract

Aiming to respond to the question "How has knowledge in forager oral narrative been maintained accurately for dozens of generations?", this study explores the myth transmission rules among forager societies. The first hypothesis anticipates that these rules constrain transmission and contexts similarly across forager societies. The authors suggest that these rules are information technology aids to minimize the chances of errors and loss of information. Related to this, the authors formulate eight hypotheses of what these rules will mandate during myth transmission: 1) skilled storytellers to pass down stories, 2) minimal low-distractions, 3) numerous people 4) multiple generations, 5) measures that identify and correct mistakes, 6) measures that maintain the audience's attention, 7) measures that sanction rule violations, and 8) measures that encourage rule compliance. There is enough evidence to support 7 out of the total of 9 hypotheses. These results show the relevance of studying the rules concerning myth and knowledge transmission across generations.

Note

While there are cultures representing each geographic region, the majority of the sample is situated in North America.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
eHRAF World CulturesResearcher's own80 forager societies with information on myth transmission.

Hypotheses (9)

HypothesisSupported
Myth-telling rules will mandate transmission by the most skilled story-tellers.Supported
Myth-telling rules will mandate transmission during low-distraction conditions.Supported
Myth-telling rules will mandate transmission with the presence of multiple generations.Supported
Myth-telling rules will mandate transmission with measures to prevent, identify, and correct mistakes.Supported
Myth-telling rules will mandate measures that maintain the audience's attentionSupported
Myth-telling rules will mandate measures that sanction rule violations.Not supported
Myth-telling rules will mandate measures that encourage rule compliance.Not supported
Myth-telling rules will constrain transmission and contexts similarly across forager societies.Supported
Myth-telling rules will mandate transmission with the presence of numerous people.Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: stefania.becerralavado