Folklore Functions in the Contact and Mass Communication Context

Abstract

The definition of folklore is dominated by orality and oral tradition linked to the first basic type of communication - interpersonal, or direct communication. Within its framework, folklore had various functions (magical-ritual, work, integration, informational, aesthetic, ... ). With the development of printing and gradually other media, it is also possible to trace the spread of folklore in the process of so-called mass communication. The form of stylization of folklore expression and the original genre of folklore often change (e.g. a folk tale takes the form of a radio play). The original functions are moved to a different position and mass media functions become dominant.