Essence of Traditional Knowledge: Definition and Meaning

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What does traditional knowledge refer to?

Knowledge, innovations, and practices of indigenous and local communities

How is traditional knowledge transmitted from generation to generation?

Through folklore, proverbs, and cultural values

What forms does traditional knowledge take?

Stories, songs, folklore, proverbs, cultural values, beliefs, and rituals

Who owns traditional knowledge?

Local communities collectively

What is traditional knowledge an open-ended way to refer to?

Tradition-based literary, artistic or scientific works

What type of experience has traditional knowledge developed from?

Experience gained over the centuries

What does the World Intellectual Property Office's definition of traditional knowledge include?

Medicinal, Agricultural & Ecological Knowledge

How do Native people define traditional knowledge?

It is practical common sense based on teachings and experiences passed on from generation to generation.

What does the text describe as a characteristic of traditional knowledge?

Dynamic, cumulative, and stable

Why do some indigenous people face challenges in communicating traditional knowledge to the young?

All of the above

What leads science practitioners to sometimes trivialize traditional understanding?

Collecting traditional knowledge with contextual elements

What hampers the communication of traditional knowledge to the young according to the text?

All of the above

What happens as elders die according to the text?

The full richness of tradition is diminished

Why is it important to find ways of preserving traditional knowledge?

'To prevent loss as elders die'

'What gives credibility to the people?'

Authority system governing the use of resources - respect, an obligation to share.

Study Notes

Definition of Traditional Knowledge

  • Traditional knowledge refers to the collective wisdom, skills, and practices passed down from generation to generation within a community, often through oral tradition.

Transmission of Traditional Knowledge

  • Traditional knowledge is transmitted from generation to generation through oral tradition, storytelling, and hands-on training.

Forms of Traditional Knowledge

  • Traditional knowledge takes various forms, including stories, songs, dances, ceremonies, and crafts.

Ownership of Traditional Knowledge

  • Traditional knowledge is often collectively owned by the community, with no single individual holding exclusive rights.

Characterization of Traditional Knowledge

  • Traditional knowledge is an open-ended way to refer to the collective wisdom, know-how, and practices developed within a community over time.
  • Traditional knowledge develops from the collective experiences of a community, often rooted in their historical and cultural context.

World Intellectual Property Office's Definition

  • The World Intellectual Property Office's definition of traditional knowledge includes the intangible cultural heritage of a community, such as folklore, music, and art.

Native People's Definition

  • Native people define traditional knowledge as the cultural and spiritual practices, stories, and teachings passed down from their ancestors.

Characteristics of Traditional Knowledge

  • Traditional knowledge is characterized by its collective, community-based, and often orally transmitted nature.

Challenges in Communicating Traditional Knowledge

  • Some indigenous people face challenges in communicating traditional knowledge to the young due to the erosion of cultural practices, language loss, and lack of interest among the younger generation.

Trivialization of Traditional Understanding

  • Science practitioners sometimes trivialize traditional understanding because they may view it as unscientific, anecdotal, or lacking empirical evidence.

Barriers to Communicating Traditional Knowledge

  • The communication of traditional knowledge to the young is hampered by the lack of fluent speakers, cultural suppression, and the disconnection of youth from their cultural heritage.

Impact of Elders' Passing

  • As elders die, the community risks losing valuable traditional knowledge and cultural practices, which can lead to cultural erosion and identity loss.

Importance of Preserving Traditional Knowledge

  • It is essential to find ways of preserving traditional knowledge to ensure the cultural survival and continuity of indigenous communities, as well as the recognition of their intellectual property rights.

Credibility and Traditional Knowledge

  • The credibility of traditional knowledge holders is often based on their community recognition, reputation, and authority, which is established through their role in the community, their expertise, and their ability to pass on the knowledge to the next generation.

Explore the definition and meaning of traditional knowledge in this quiz, based on the teachings of Dr. V.Vijayalakshmi, Associate Professor at SSL Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai. Gain insights into the knowledge, innovations, and practices of indigenous and local communities worldwide.

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