Dyresanger i samvær med barn: Tradisjoner i og mellom generasjoner

Abstract

Animals play a key role in many songs for and with children. This is apparent in a review of song repertoire in kindergartens, as well as a number of songbooks analyzed by the authors. The chapter discusses why animal songs are so appealing to both young and old. The songs work as a common repertoire traded from generation to generation and between children in play and binds generations together. The authors analyze textual content, linguistic characteristics and musical structures to look at the socio-cultural contributions of the songs based on the following research question: «What are the characteristics of the animal songs and how do they contribute to socialization in different communities from an early age?» The review and analysis shows how animal songs provide space for socialization, interaction, participation, emotions, community and identification. The actions of the animals and the stories of the songs invite humor and play, bodily expression, wonder and reflection; and they provide experiential life wisdom to young and old.