"Among the things existing in the world, speech is the only thing given birth in the world." Little discoveries lead to big discoveries. Speech is a link and establishes order. It includes images, metaphors, stories, and proverbs. The Griots of West Africa use speech to establish a link to the people.
             The Griots entertain and educate a village. Like the common folklore that we know, Griots memorize lineage, practice traditional rituals, tell myths, pass on wisdom, sing songs of praise, and tell epics and history. For example, in Mali, using oral tradition, they say that if there is a full eclipse of the moon, it is because a black cat covers it and they drive it away using a drum. Oral tradition is a part of the Griot tradition. Griots use the old speech to tell myths and communicate. Even though it may become dormant, old speech will never die. It'll reemerge when the time is right.
             The Griot tradition is passed on only if you are born into a specific caste. The nobles who support them are their benefactors. They attend story events and apprenticeships. If this does not work out, they become commoners such as farmers and herders. If they continue, they educate themselves from the master Griot by learning about cooking, cleaning, instruments, genealogy, praise songs, and politics. It is believed a Griot is born a Griot and it just takes time to release that, that is within.
             Although West Africans are being introduced to more modern appliances, the Griot tradition will never die. They'll use televisions and generators, but the old speech will still be passed on. Oral traditions will be remembered and spoken as well as the process to preserve and pass on the Griot tradition.
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