Akadémia Kiadó

Language and Folklore

In this volume of the series ”Folklore and the Cultural History of Hungary” the distinguishing features of the language used in folklore genres (fairy tale, legend, ballad, proverb, etc.) are discussed by linguists, literary historians, psychologists, and the specialists of folklore. The focus is on the influence of language on the structure of the most well-known genres. The analysis of fairy tales shows that language is not only an instrument but also a starting point for the creation of a Weltbild. Another essay underlines the phonetic aspects of folklore genres. The topics range from the historical approach to the language of the peasantry to the role of dialectal forms, proper nouns, and place names, from the specificities of the oral culture of Hungarian ethnic minorities to the language of old calendars and the notational systems or schemes used by those whose aim is to preserve oral culture (fairy tales, ballads, etc.). Some contributions examine the impact of historical events and social changes on spoken language in the twentieth century. The discussions are not limited to Hungarian culture; the use of language in other linguistic and cultural communities is also taken into consideration.