The interest in oral history in Thailand

Abstract

Oral history means "unwritten" history which is often put in a form suitable for oral transmission such as an easy verse form or a tale. As oral history is handed down from generation to generation it is often called oral tradition. In parts of the world where peoples have no writing or prefer passing down history by word of mouth , the study of oraltradition or oral history is necessary if we wish to know anything about their past history. History of the various tribes in Africa, for example , are reconstructed from oral traditions. However, one must treat oral tradition with the following attitudes: "l. Oral traditions are never reliable . 2. Oral traditions may conta in a certai n amount of truth. 3. It is impossible to asse ss the amount of truth contained in oral tradition. 4. Al l oral traditions contain a kernel of historical truth. 5. All factors affecting the reliability of traditions should be thoroughly examined. 6. The reliability of these sources should be examined according to the usual canons of historical methodolgy.