Roast Chicken and other Gypsy Stories: Oral Narratives among Serbian Gypsies (Europäische Hochschulschriften / European University Studies / Publications Universitaires Européennes, Band 75)

This book discusses narrative as an adaptive cultural mechanism among Gypsies in Serbia. As a key traditional trait of Serbian Gypsies storytelling conveyed along kin generations influences the behavior of all who listen. Since their appearance in the Balkans centuries ago an insecure social environment has shaped their cultural traditions including that of storytelling. Their traditional stories reaffirm the strong identity with their kinship group yet at the same time plead loudly for recognition from outsiders. The success achieved by Gypsies in maintaining themselves and their cult ure can be attributed in large measure to the power of their traditional stories.