what fuctions did african american slave songs and stories have?

Answer 1

These were secret forms of communication. Workers timed their labor to the rhythm of the music. Spiritual salvation and literal emancipation. Also used to preserve and articulate communal values and encourage group participation.

Answer 2

The songs were secret codes leading to escape passages and stories were usually to help boost morale.

Now the songs serve not much other than academic or entertainment purposes.

Answer 3

THE SONGS AND TALES THE SLAVES TOLD WERE THE HISTORY OF THEIR PEOPLE, THEIR TRIBES BACK IN AFRICA. THEY WERE NOT ALLOWED TO TALK OF THESE SO THEY SANG SONGS THEY MADE UP FROM THE STORIES. THEY WERE ALSO NOT ALLOWED TO SPEAK ANYTHING BUT ENGLISH, SO THE SLAVE DRIVERS AND MASTER COULD UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY WERE SAYING.
A VERY GOOD WAY OF PRESERVING THEIR HISTORY.

Answer 4

as for songs, most of them involved coded message as in running away

(steal away steal to jesus steal away steal away home, I aint got long to stay here)

or as a way of coping

(nobody knows the trouble Ive seen, nobody knows but jesus)

Of course they had many different meanings.

stories most likely were ways of passing on history. slaves were allowed to read or write so oral history was the only means of passing down stories.

ya feel me?