Editing Oneida language (section)

===Role of Oneida language in Oneida society===
The Oneida culture places a strong focus on [[oral tradition|oral narrative tradition]]:<ref>{{harvp|Wonderley|2004|p=xiv}}</ref> so much so that in the absence of use as primary communication, this is the major societal role of the Oneida language. In the words of the Oneida Men's Council and Clan Mothers, the "traditional Oneida language is a vital link to our ancestors and national identity".<ref name="Elm_vii">{{harvp|Elm|Antone|2000|p=vii}}</ref> These stories have long been used to develop social norms and pass along cultural capital via [[myths]], [[Folklore|folktales]], and [[legend]]s.

The Iroquois used three separate common names for these similar narratives: "things which truly happened," "it is as if an animal walked," and "they went to the woods to hunt for meat".<ref>{{harvp|Wonderley|2004|p=xix}}</ref> Respectively, these are stories of the mythology of the [[supernatural]], of (often [[anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]]) animals, and of parables or fables of human deeds.
The Oneida similarly have an extensive tradition of formal oratory and ritual tradition.<ref name="Wonderley_9">{{harvp|Wonderley|2004|p=9}}</ref> Many Oneida political and [[diplomacy|diplomatic]] processes are highly formalized in this way, and spoken words are reinforced by the use of [[wampum]], strings of symbolic shell beads, both in gesturing and as a gift indicating truth or seriousness.<ref>{{harvp|Wonderley|2004|p=xx–xxi, 9, 117}}</ref>

The [[condolence ceremony]], a ritual of succession of [[tribal chief|chiefdom]], played a central role in the maintenance of the [[Iroquois Confederacy]]; the Three Bare Words ceremony, a [[metaphor]]ical opening of the eyes, ears, and throat, preceded any diplomacy.<ref>{{harvp|Wonderley|2004|p=1}}</ref> Religious rituals as well made specific use of prescribed language, including the Onnonhouaroia ([[winter solstice|Midwinter]]) ceremony, a psychologically oriented celebration of dreams, and [[shamanism|shamanistic]] medicine ceremonies<ref>{{harvp|Wonderley|2004|p=12}}</ref> Traditions of both oral narrative as well as ritual are in general a lesser part of Oneida culture today than they were up until post-colonial times. As the clan leaders indicate, the culture is valued, and the Oneida language is integral in enacting that culture.<ref name="Elm_vii"/>