There is a direct link between storytelling and cultural events. The main function of both is informing and sharing in a community of traditions, values and common knowledge. Cultural events are many times the inspiration for stories, and vice versa, as cultural events can bring those stories to life.
Being one of the most ancient forms of art and education, humans have been using storytelling as a means to pass on cultural heritage since the very beginning of our species.
Language is the basis for storytelling. Without linguistic understanding, no stories would survive. Nevertheless, language not only has linguistic purposes, but also strong cultural aspects. Some words, or expressions, are very “typical” of certain cultures or societies. These are words that are difficult to translate, or even to explain in other languages. As an example, a Brit and an American can communicate perfectly in English. Nevertheless, their cultural linguistic expressions vary from each other and are to them the distinction between being British or American.
Cultural events are equally important for any culture or society. They are the expression of values, history, emotions, tradition and the invisible bond between people. They are probably the most visual and lived experience of any cultural expression. Cultural events can incorporate various art forms, such as music, dance, theater and other visual forms of art. But it can also include sports or even a mixture of several ways of expression.
But cultural events and language not only express culture and history, they can also shape and redefine it. They have the power to put their focus on those items that are interesting for society and take it away from those aspects that are less important, or undesired.
In our Shared (Hi)stories, you will find several short stories on how, many times, our language, traditions and cultural events seem to be less “ours” and how we share them with other cultures and societies.