Sharing Tradition Class 11 Compulsory English Exercise : Summary and Question Answers

 

Summary

"Sharing Tradition" by Frank LaPena is a heartfelt exploration of Native American art, culture, and traditions, particularly focusing on the California Native American experience. LaPena, a Wintu artist and scholar, emphasizes the critical role of preserving and transmitting cultural heritage across generations. He underscores the importance of elders and cultural leaders in educating the younger generation, ensuring that traditional knowledge and practices are not lost but continually adapted to contemporary contexts. This theme of cultural transmission is central to the book, highlighting the living nature of heritage that evolves while staying deeply rooted in history.

The book delves into various forms of Native American artistic expression, including visual arts, music, dance, and storytelling. LaPena illustrates how these art forms are vital components of cultural and spiritual life, serving as connections between the past and present. He discusses the symbolic meanings and traditional knowledge embedded in these expressions, noting their significance in maintaining cultural identity and resilience. Through vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes, LaPena provides a rich narrative that celebrates the creativity and spiritual depth of Native American art.

LaPena also addresses the challenges faced by Native American communities in preserving their traditions amidst modernization and cultural assimilation. He highlights the resilience and adaptability of these communities, emphasizing their efforts to revitalize and sustain their cultural practices despite external pressures. This resilience is portrayed through the stories of contemporary Native artists who blend traditional techniques with modern themes, showcasing the dynamic nature of Native American art.

In conclusion, "Sharing Tradition" serves as both a documentation of cultural practices and a call to action for cultural preservation. LaPena's narrative is a profound tribute to the enduring legacy of Native American culture, reminding readers of the importance of understanding, respecting, and sharing traditions. Through his insights and experiences, LaPena encourages a deeper appreciation of Native American heritage and supports ongoing efforts to sustain these vital cultural expressions.

Answer the following questions.

a. According to LaPena, what is the importance of the oral tradition? To what extent do you agree with his opinions and why?

Frank Lapena, the writer of this essay give more importance in the oral tradition. According to him, the tradition followed by our elders must be passed from generation to generation orally. It helps to maintain our cultural resource.
Yes, I agree with his opinion because oral tradition helps the young generation to know about the lifestyle. Social, cultural environment of our elders in the past moreover, they can know about their family history. Our culture is our identity simply oral tradition helps people to preserve their identity.

b. Who preserve and pass on the oral tradition?

Oral tradition is a form of human communication in which knowledge, culture, traditions, ideas etc. are transmitted orally from one generation to another generation. Its duty of every to preserve and promote to pass on their tradition because they are experienced one.

c. What is the danger of not passing on information from generation to generation?

If the information from one generation to generation is not passed then there will not be perseverance of cultural environment i.e. following festivals, religion etc. our identity and values will be no more left.

d. What is the difference between oral tradition and literary tradition?

The difference between oral tradition and literary tradition is that in an oral tradition information related to culture and values are transmitted from generation to generation through oral means whereas in literary tradition information is transmitted through written means.

e. How does LaPena establish a relationship between art and the oral tradition?

Both art and the oral tradition are the form of communication in which the author or story teller tries to convey a message to the listener/reader. LaPena presents the oral tradition as the source of our inspiration for art. He says that the oral tradition has an impact on how one visualizes the stories, the characters, the designs and color for art.

 Long Questions

Question 1: How does Frank LaPena describe the role of elders in preserving Native American traditions?

Answer: Frank LaPena emphasizes the critical role of elders in preserving Native American traditions, viewing them as the primary custodians of cultural knowledge and heritage. Elders are portrayed as the living repositories of history, wisdom, and traditional practices. They play a vital role in educating the younger generation, ensuring that cultural knowledge is passed down through storytelling, ceremonies, and direct teaching. LaPena highlights the importance of this intergenerational transmission, noting that it is through the elders' guidance that young people learn the values, beliefs, and customs of their community. He argues that the respect and reverence for elders are fundamental to maintaining cultural continuity, as they provide the link between the past and the present. Elders' narratives, infused with personal experiences and ancestral knowledge, are essential in instilling a sense of identity and belonging in the younger generation. LaPena's reflections underscore the communal responsibility to honor and support elders, recognizing their indispensable role in the survival and revitalization of Native American traditions.

Question 2: In what ways does LaPena illustrate the significance of art in Native American culture?

Answer: LaPena illustrates the significance of art in Native American culture by presenting it as a multifaceted expression of identity, spirituality, and community values. He explores various art forms, including visual arts, music, dance, and storytelling, each carrying deep symbolic meanings and traditional knowledge. LaPena explains that Native American art is not merely decorative but serves as a vital component of cultural and spiritual life. For instance, he discusses how certain designs and motifs in visual arts are imbued with stories and teachings that reflect the worldview and history of the community. In music and dance, LaPena highlights the ceremonial importance, noting that these performances are often integral to rituals and communal gatherings, reinforcing social bonds and spiritual beliefs. Storytelling, another crucial art form, is described as a way to preserve and transmit cultural narratives, moral lessons, and historical events. Through these artistic expressions, LaPena demonstrates how art functions as a bridge between generations, connecting the past with the present and ensuring the continuity of cultural identity. His insights reveal the dynamic and resilient nature of Native American art, which adapts to contemporary contexts while maintaining its traditional essence.

Question 3: What challenges does LaPena identify in the preservation of Native American traditions, and how do communities address these challenges?

Answer: LaPena identifies several challenges in the preservation of Native American traditions, including cultural assimilation, loss of language, and the impact of modernization and globalization. He explains that external pressures, such as colonization, forced relocation, and the imposition of Western education systems, have disrupted traditional ways of life and led to the erosion of cultural practices and languages. Additionally, the allure of modern lifestyles and the pervasive influence of mainstream media pose further threats to the continuity of Native traditions.

Despite these challenges, LaPena highlights the resilience and adaptability of Native American communities in addressing these issues. He notes that many communities are actively engaged in cultural revitalization efforts, such as language preservation programs, cultural education initiatives, and the revival of traditional ceremonies and practices. LaPena underscores the importance of cultural centers and educational institutions that focus on teaching Native American history, art, and traditions. These efforts are often spearheaded by dedicated cultural leaders and activists who work tirelessly to reclaim and sustain their heritage.

Moreover, LaPena points out that contemporary Native artist play a crucial role in this revitalization process. By blending traditional techniques with modern themes, these artists create works that resonate with younger generations while honoring their cultural roots. Through their creativity and innovation, they contribute to the ongoing evolution of Native American art and ensure that it remains a vibrant and relevant aspect of their cultural identity. LaPena's reflections convey a message of hope and determination, emphasizing that, despite the obstacles, Native American communities is committed to preserving their traditions and passing them on to future generations.

Question 4: How does LaPena connect personal experiences to broader cultural themes in "Sharing Tradition"?

Answer: LaPena skillfully connects his personal experiences to broader cultural themes by intertwining autobiographical reflections with insights into Native American traditions and values. His narrative is enriched with anecdotes from his own life, which serve to illustrate the universal themes of identity, belonging, and cultural preservation. For instance, LaPena often recounts his experiences of participating in traditional ceremonies, learning from elders, and creating art that reflects his cultural heritage. These personal stories provide a tangible context for the abstract concepts he discusses, making them more relatable and impactful for readers.

Through his personal lens, LaPena explores the significance of cultural practices and the emotional and spiritual connections they foster. He shares how his upbringing and involvement in community activities have shaped his understanding of tradition and his sense of duty to uphold and share it. His experiences as an artist are particularly poignant, as he describes the creative process as both a personal journey and a communal responsibility. By drawing on his life story, LaPena demonstrates the profound influence of cultural heritage on individual identity and the collective well-being of the community.

Moreover, LaPena's personal reflections highlight the challenges and triumphs of living as a contemporary Native American. He candidly discusses the struggles of navigating between modern society and traditional values, providing a nuanced perspective on the complexities of cultural adaptation and resilience. His narrative is a testament to the enduring power of tradition, as seen through his commitment to preserving and sharing his heritage despite the obstacles. In this way, LaPena's personal experiences serve as a microcosm of the broader cultural themes he explores, offering readers an intimate and authentic understanding of the importance of sharing tradition.