Folk Values for Beginners

Abstract

The inherently diverse folkloric values are the applied aspects of folk philosophy. Amongst these values, the paper focusses on a few specific tenets that are transplanted in the beginners' hearts to counteract the current culture of thriving consumption that instigates competition and greed, profit-making use of science and technology, and moral degradation. These values are also linked to the globalisation of sustainability education to counteract the destruction of the natural and social environment. They need major attention right from the primary level of education. Using the case study of Bangladesh, the paper presents a synopsis of the core folkloric tradition of the country and critically analyses the substantial impact of folk values on the daily lives of its inhabitants as well as discusses how these values can contribute to sustainability.

How Can Stories in Primary Education Support Sustainable Development in Bangladesh?

“…However, research on storytelling in Bangladesh's educational system, particularly the use of this educational tool in primary education, has been scarce. On the other hand, Bangladesh is rich with folklore-based stories with traditional or folk values considered to harness the principles of sustainability [10]. In the past, children were entertained and instructed with folktales.…”

“…They can be communicated orally and through the written word. Such stories are vivid and entertaining; they symbolise cultural beliefs and contain fundamental human truths by which people have lived for centuries [10]. They are also brief, and although they may contain elements of fantasy, they always hold a resolution or a moral lesson about the problem.…”