Exploring the Educational Values of Oral Texts of Balinese Oral Tradition

Abstract

The main concern of the present study is to analyze the educational values of the oral text of genjek oral tradition performed by several genjek groups in Karangasem, eastern part of Bali. Genjek is one of the most popular oral traditions in Bali and it is a spontaneous performing oral art by a group of young villagers to express their feeling, thought, and criticisms to the existing conditions of the country. All criticisms and suggestions are conveyed through songs in common Balinese language accompanied by acoustic Balinese bamboo music instruments. Their performances are usually funny and entertaining. Most of the lyrics are created spontaneously during the performance. As an oral traditional, genjek is mainly performed for entertainment and the education of their supporting society. This study found that most of the oral text of genjek Karangasem contains educational values which are really important to maintain the harmony of the social life of the society. In addition, the present study revealed that genjek is also an effective way of educating a big crowd of people. Therefore, it is recommended that genjek should be utilized more extensively, especially in social education and in conveying mass information which is needed to be known by the society.