I appreciate this question. In my teaching, both at the university level as well as seminars, I indeed introduce the history of RIM as beginning with oral tradition. I never really considered the aspect of "Is oral tradition really a record?" My current students should enjoy this thread.
Are oral traditions records? What makes a record a record? We generally list these attributes: legal, evidentiary, business needs (operational value), and history. I know that the nomenclature varies, but these represent the basic premises for retention value.
Other characteristics of records include authenticity, accuracy, and verifiable nature of the document. This puts a strain on many/most oral traditions. Are they authentic? Perhaps empirical evidence exists in some cases, but not often. Are they accurate? Again, short of evidence or corroborate material, this is impossible to prove. Finally, verification can be done by asking others who might remember (do you recall the term "Rememberers"?)
Judging oral tradition by these standards leaves it lacking. But we left out one test: how does it measure up to other types of records? Are there similar examples of recognized records that have similar shortcomings? I believe there are many such examples. Why, besides Shakespeare's own account, how much empirical evidence do we have about Julius Caesar? Many of the things we take for granted actually have tenuous substantiation.
In the end, context and content will define one's perception as to the integrity of any record. What one considers a record another may very well condemn as misguided at best. Can we call oral tradition a record? I believe the answer is "Yes". Is it always accurate and authentic? Definitely not! But how many other "records" are judged in a similar manner? As with any series or media, one is wise to assess the relative value of any particular record before simply accepting it as such.
David B. Steward
Director of Records
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