Oral Traditions as Learning in Maori Culture
One of the main themes of my work in ED 800 was how learning can be effected by shared cultural norms, and how methods of learning can flow through cultures in nuanced forms oftentimes not readily recognized by Western traditions.
The paper linked below concerns the Niki Caro film Whale Rider. The film deals with complicated issues, including tribal identity in the face of encroaching Western culture, gender roles as defined by tradition, and the complexity of oral tradition in learning. The film's main character, Paikea, is a young girl who wishes to be allowed to train as a Maori Warrior. Her grandfather, Chief Koro, demands that she adhere to established Maori cultural traditions and leave warrior training to the boys; however, after Koro finds some of his warrior students picking on Paikea for being different, he tells her the story of how their people came to live in New Zealand and in so doing, imparts to Paikea the lesson of permanence being relative to those who dare to be different.