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 culture can be attributed in large measure to the
power of their traditional stories.
