griot etymology

Etymology:

• French: griot
• Wolof: gerro (praise-singer)

Meaning:

A griot is a traditional West African storyteller, musician, and historian who serves as a living archive of their community's history, culture, and traditions. They are renowned for their exceptional memory and ability to orally transmit complex stories, genealogies, and songs.

Origin:

The term "griot" originated from the Wolof word gerro, meaning "praise-singer." This reflects their primary role as praise-singers and historians for noble families and royal courts. Griots have a long and rich history in West African society, dating back centuries.

Traditional Role:

• Oral Tradition: Griots are the bearers of their community's history, genealogy, myths, and legends. They preserve and transmit these oral traditions through storytelling, songs, and performances.
• Praise-Singing: Griots are known for their ability to compose and recite praises for their patrons, celebrating their achievements, lineage, and virtues.
• Historical Recounting: They are skilled historians who can trace family and community lineages back generations and recount important events in their community's past.
• Social Commentary: Griots sometimes use their performances to provide social commentary or criticize leaders and societal issues.
• Education: Griots play an important role in educating younger generations about their culture and heritage.

Contemporary Role:

In modern times, griots continue to hold an important role in West African society. They may perform at festivals, weddings, and other social events, sharing their stories and traditions with audiences. Additionally, griots have become involved in education, research, and advocacy efforts to preserve and promote African cultural heritage.

griot relate terms

• Creole

  Etymology The word creole is derived from the Spanish and Portuguese word criollo wh

• accretion

  Etymology The word accretion comes from the Latin verb accrēscere which means to g

• accrue

  Etymology The word accrue comes from the Old French word acreistre which in turn co

• cereal

  Etymology The word cereal is derived from the Latin word Ceres the Roman goddess of

• Ceres

  Etymology The name Ceres is derived from the Proto Indo European root ker meaning to

• concrete

  Etymology The word concrete comes from the Latin concretus meaning grown together

• create

  Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words It involves tracing words back

• creation

  Etymology The word creation derives from the Latin term creatio which means the a

• creature

  Etymology The word creature is derived from the Old French word creature which in tu

• Creole

  Etymology The word creole is derived from the Spanish and Portuguese word criollo wh

• crescendo

  Etymology Italian from Latin crescere crescens present participle of crescere to gro

• crescent

  Etymology The word crescent derives from the Late Latin word crescens meaning grow

• crew

  Etymology The word crew comes from the Old French word croi meaning to grow It i

• croissant

  Etymology The word croissant is derived from the French word croître which means

• decrease

  Etymology Middle English decressen from Old French decroistre from Late Latin decr

• Dioscuri

  Etymology Dioscuri is derived from the Ancient Greek word Διόσκουροι Dios

• excrescence

  Etymology Latin excrescere to grow out of ex out of crescere to grow M

• griot

  Etymology French griot Wolof gerro praise singer Meaning A griot is a tradition

• increase

  Etymology The word increase comes from the Old French word encroistre which is deriv

• Kore

  Etymology The word Kore is derived from the Ancient Greek word κόρη korē wh

• procerity

  Etymology Latin procerus tall long slender Proto Indo European root pr̥k

• procreation

  Etymology From Medieval Latin procreatio a begetting from Latin procreare to beg

• recreate

  Etymology Etymology is derived from the Greek words etymon ἔτυμον true sen

• recreation

  Etymology The word recreation derives from the Latin recreatio meaning restoration

• recruit

  Etymology Recruit derives from the Middle French word recruter which in turn comes fr

• sincere

  Etymology The word sincere originates from the Latin word sincerus which means pur

• grit

  Etymology Old English grēot Proto Germanic grauto Proto Indo European ghr̥ t

• Lent

  Etymology Old English Hlenten Proto Germanic Langitinaz meaning long season M

• diaphragm

  Etymology Greek diaphragma meaning wall or partition Meaning A thin dome sha

• aberration

  Etymology of aberration The word aberration is derived from the Latin term aberrar

• assiduous

  Etymology Latin assiduus constant diligent Proto Indo European h₂ses to se

• flesh

  Etymology of Flesh The word flesh comes from the Old English word flǣsc which is

• restore

  Etymology Origin Latin restaurare to repair restore Root sta to stand be stab

• elegant

  Etymology The word elegant originates from the Latin word eligere meaning to choos

• cowboy

  Etymology The word cowboy is derived from the Spanish word vaquero which means cow