How Have Oral and Written Transmission Affected the Performance of African

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The Answer is Oral and written transmission have had a significant impact on the performance of African American spirituals. Initially, these spirituals were passed down orally within the African American community, as many slaves were not allowed to read or write. This oral tradition allowed for the preservation and dissemination of these spirituals, as they were shared through singing and storytelling.

As literacy rates increased among African Americans, the spirituals began to be transcribed and written down. This allowed for a wider distribution of the songs and enabled them to reach a larger audience. Written transmission also facilitated the preservation of the spirituals, ensuring that they would not be lost to history.

Both oral and written transmission have contributed to the performance of African American spirituals by allowing for their continued existence and evolution. The oral tradition has imbued these songs with a sense of authenticity and cultural significance, while written transmission has enabled their widespread dissemination and study. Overall, both forms of transmission have played a crucial role in the performance and preservation of African American spirituals.

How Have Oral and Written Transmission Affected the Performance of African

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