Iktomi: A Character Traits Analysis of a Dakota Culture Myth

摘要: Cultural folk stories and myths transmit cultural knowledge; however, the manner in which transmission is accomplished has not been satisfactorily resolved. Using three separate English-language versions of a single Dakota story “Iktomi,” this study presents novel qualitative method for analyzing tales to discern patterns among renderings by different storytellers various situations. The author analyzed similarities differences tale order idiosyncrasies related tellers from broader itself. focused on coding character traits elucidate roles relationships reveal how they are used represent progressive stages vision quest—one seven sacred rites people. systematically codes using simple word counts individual as well gendered pronouns enclitics considered documenter effect individually rendered versions. findings confirm that encodes framework quest. involved identifying exhibited each according type with regard representation, ability, or attribute ascertain relationship codes. Then, reorganization coded into pairs polarized correspondences provided more detailed comparison further clarified traits. Pronoun enclitic use pointed genderspecific activity characters analysis reinforced. Emergent analyses disclosed male-specific focus activities IKTOMI: A CHARACTER TRAITS ANALYSIS ii delineate an encoded quest regarded tribally male rite passage. Character offers unique approach comparing ways disparate amounts detail discerning multiple layers embedded meaning, useful retrieving, understanding preserving endangered information. iii