Arts and Media Basics:
Folklife Resources

There are many types of verbal or oral traditions. These include jokes, stories, and names. Notice that each boat at the local dock has its name painted on the bow or front.

Choosing the name of a boat is very important. It's like choosing the name for a new baby. Many people believe that it is bad luck to change the name of a boat. When a fisherman buys a used boat he or she most likely will not change its name. There are many stories about the bad luck that has come to individuals who changed the names of their boats.

The words that fishing crews use to describe places on the water, tools, fishing gear, and work skills are part of their verbal traditions. A newcomer may not understand the meaning of everyday fishing words. Below are examples of specialized words used by people in the maritime industries:

• Fid
• punch
• lacing
• hootchie
• starboard
• up the hill

Activity 2: Explore with students: What is the story of how they got their name? Have students interview a parent, guardian or other relative to learn the story of their name. Does it have a meaning? Is it connected to their ethnic or cultural heritage? Is it connected to their family history? Last names often tell a story about our heritage. Do your students know the origin of their last name and from what country or culture it comes? Have students find out the story of their father's and mother's last names. What is their background? Have them bring family stories, photographs or special belongings to class to share.

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