Originally published in 1987, the aim of this book is to advance a fresh
perspective on the presentation, philology, analysis, and interpretation
of oral literature and verbal art. Developed through commentaries and
analysis of a range of texts from Native American communities, past and
present, this original approach is centered on discourse, which the
contributors take as being the richest point of intersection among
language, culture, society, and individual expression. In discourse,
individuals draw on their own artistry at the same time as they draw on
the special and unique resources of the language and culture of their
communities.