Formal Terms:
* Oral history: This is the most common and formal term for the collection and preservation of historical accounts through interviews and recordings.
* Verbal history: Similar to oral history, but often emphasizes the importance of language and the specific ways people tell stories.
* Living history: This term is used for historical re-enactments or demonstrations, which may involve spoken accounts, but focus more on the visual and experiential aspects of history.
Informal Terms:
* Word of mouth: This describes the informal transmission of historical information through storytelling and conversation.
* Folklore: This term encompasses traditional beliefs, stories, and customs that are passed down through generations, often through spoken transmission.
* Ancestors' stories: This personalizes spoken history, focusing on the individual accounts of family members or community elders.
The best term to use will depend on the specific context and the intended meaning.