Word of Mouth: the story and the storyteller
Example of ‘The Card Story’ |
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Example draft of ‘The Lucky Girl’ story |
The ‘Word of Mouth’ project will share information with and between Aboriginal people, on how to reduce problem gambling and its destructive effects on individuals, families and entire communities. All stories will be presented in the spoken language of the listener, through interactive CDs and DVDs for use on computers and televisions, supported by local, community storytellers.
The use of stories amongst people are in their oldest sense, a healing art. The ‘Word of Mouth’ project makes use of fundamental cultural strengths of Aboriginal people, in oral and visual traditions. This approach supports Aboriginal families in sharing information within and across remote Aboriginal communities. Central to the success of this storytelling tradition are three key components:
- the story
- the ‘time-of-telling’ eg. Night time, and
- the storyteller
The Story
All stories in the ‘Word of Mouth’ project will be spoken and told in the language of the listeners, whether it be Arrernte, Pitjantjatjara, or Warlpiri, or any other language, as well as spoken in English.
The Night
Stories are best told at night. The rush and tumble, strive and strife of daylight hours have little room for their own business, let alone the expansive space required to listen, to digest and reflect on a story told.
The ‘Word of Mouth’ stories will be shared during the evening hours, outdoors and together.
The Story Teller
No stories will be introduced into a community without there first being at least two identified ‘Storytellers’ from that community.
The ‘Storytellers’ will:
- Be involved in the making of the spoken language / community version of the stories.
- Know the stories and be able to tell them.
- Be a possible first contact for any person in the community who requires information or further assistance, but may not be able to manage this path on their own.
The ‘Word of Mouth’ project is supported by the Community Benefit Fund and AMITY Community Services.
For information on italk click here.
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