street seller

  • Orality and Storytelling

    The Card Sharp

    When telling a story, it is essential to create an audience who feel compelled to pay attention. In exploring the theme of The Oral Tradition recently, certain memories have popped up which show how instructive everyday situations can be in developing an understanding of how this tradition works. Here's a memory of a card-sharp (or card-shark, if you prefer) from when I was 7 or 8 years old.

  • Orality and Storytelling

    Two tales of orality from Harlow street market

    This is a story about primary orality : thought and expression untouched by the culture of writing or print. There are places where language takes root, grows and generally has a field-day. Street markets are full of people who use language to make us listen. Want to know more about the price of cabbages and today's unbeatable offer on sheets and towels? Read on, dear reader.