[Date]
AFL2603
Assignment 1
Semester 2 2024
QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE ANSWERS
,AFL2603 Assignment 1 Semester 2 2024
1.1 How did people in the olden days’ prior formal education, transfer knowledge
and skills to their children? Support your answers with relevant examples. (15)
1.2 Folksongs and praise poems are always regarded as old fashioned and
outdated. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Support your answers with
relevant examples. (10) /25/
1.1 Transfer of Knowledge and Skills in the Olden Days
Before formal education systems were established, people in ancient societies used
various methods to transfer knowledge and skills to their children. These methods
were deeply rooted in their cultural practices and daily life activities. Here are
some examples:
1. Oral Tradition: Knowledge was primarily passed down orally through
stories, myths, legends, and proverbs. Elders, who were the custodians of
knowledge, would share wisdom and lessons about life, history, and social
norms with younger generations. For instance, the African tradition of
storytelling, known as tales by moonlight, was a common method used to
teach children about morals, ethics, and cultural heritage.
2. Apprenticeship: Skills such as farming, hunting, crafting, and cooking were
taught through hands-on experience. Children would learn by working
alongside their parents or community members. For example, in medieval
Europe, boys would often become apprentices to craftsmen like blacksmiths,
carpenters, or shoemakers, learning the trade over several years before
becoming masters themselves.
, 3. Rites of Passage: In many cultures, rites of passage ceremonies marked the
transition from childhood to adulthood. These ceremonies were not only
symbolic but also educational, often involving the teaching of essential life
skills, survival techniques, and social responsibilities. For example, in some
African societies, boys would undergo circumcision rites where they would
learn about manhood, leadership, and community service.
4. Observation and Imitation: Children learned by observing and imitating
the adults around them. This method was particularly effective in learning
domestic tasks, farming techniques, and social behaviors. For instance,
among Native American tribes, children would watch their parents and
elders perform tasks like weaving baskets, making pottery, or preparing
food, and gradually learn to do these tasks themselves.
5. Folksongs and Oral Poetry: Songs, chants, and poetry were used to encode
important information, making it easier to remember and pass down. For
example, the griots of West Africa were oral historians who used music and
poetry to transmit historical events, genealogies, and cultural knowledge
from generation to generation.
1.2 Are Folksongs and Praise Poems Old-fashioned and Outdated?
I disagree with the statement that folksongs and praise poems are old-fashioned
and outdated. While these forms of expression may have ancient roots, they
continue to hold cultural significance and relevance in contemporary society. Here
are some examples to support this view:
1. Cultural Preservation: Folksongs and praise poems are vital tools for
preserving and transmitting cultural heritage. They encapsulate the history,
values, and traditions of a community, allowing younger generations to
AFL2603
Assignment 1
Semester 2 2024
QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE ANSWERS
,AFL2603 Assignment 1 Semester 2 2024
1.1 How did people in the olden days’ prior formal education, transfer knowledge
and skills to their children? Support your answers with relevant examples. (15)
1.2 Folksongs and praise poems are always regarded as old fashioned and
outdated. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Support your answers with
relevant examples. (10) /25/
1.1 Transfer of Knowledge and Skills in the Olden Days
Before formal education systems were established, people in ancient societies used
various methods to transfer knowledge and skills to their children. These methods
were deeply rooted in their cultural practices and daily life activities. Here are
some examples:
1. Oral Tradition: Knowledge was primarily passed down orally through
stories, myths, legends, and proverbs. Elders, who were the custodians of
knowledge, would share wisdom and lessons about life, history, and social
norms with younger generations. For instance, the African tradition of
storytelling, known as tales by moonlight, was a common method used to
teach children about morals, ethics, and cultural heritage.
2. Apprenticeship: Skills such as farming, hunting, crafting, and cooking were
taught through hands-on experience. Children would learn by working
alongside their parents or community members. For example, in medieval
Europe, boys would often become apprentices to craftsmen like blacksmiths,
carpenters, or shoemakers, learning the trade over several years before
becoming masters themselves.
, 3. Rites of Passage: In many cultures, rites of passage ceremonies marked the
transition from childhood to adulthood. These ceremonies were not only
symbolic but also educational, often involving the teaching of essential life
skills, survival techniques, and social responsibilities. For example, in some
African societies, boys would undergo circumcision rites where they would
learn about manhood, leadership, and community service.
4. Observation and Imitation: Children learned by observing and imitating
the adults around them. This method was particularly effective in learning
domestic tasks, farming techniques, and social behaviors. For instance,
among Native American tribes, children would watch their parents and
elders perform tasks like weaving baskets, making pottery, or preparing
food, and gradually learn to do these tasks themselves.
5. Folksongs and Oral Poetry: Songs, chants, and poetry were used to encode
important information, making it easier to remember and pass down. For
example, the griots of West Africa were oral historians who used music and
poetry to transmit historical events, genealogies, and cultural knowledge
from generation to generation.
1.2 Are Folksongs and Praise Poems Old-fashioned and Outdated?
I disagree with the statement that folksongs and praise poems are old-fashioned
and outdated. While these forms of expression may have ancient roots, they
continue to hold cultural significance and relevance in contemporary society. Here
are some examples to support this view:
1. Cultural Preservation: Folksongs and praise poems are vital tools for
preserving and transmitting cultural heritage. They encapsulate the history,
values, and traditions of a community, allowing younger generations to
