Page 52 - Mind Games The Aging Brain and How to Keep it Healthy
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36 • Chapter 2
literal manner. When asked to show appreciation for a perfor-
mance and “give someone a hand,” they would try to find a
toy hand to give. When asked to complete jokes, the result
would be senseless, awkward, and not in the least humorous. 17
The creative ability and imaginative use of words, located
largely in the right hemisphere, is the essence that raises tech-
nical merit to a creative painting of pictures that evoke strong
emotions and vivid interactions.
Photo courtesy of Khabir the Storyteller, P .O. Box 33191, Indianapolis, IN 46203
Khabir the Storyteller relates African and African-American
stories and folktales in the oral tradition. Khabir may spin tradi-
tional African folktales in the style of the griot, he may use first-
person interpretation in the character of Martin Delany (an
African-American Civil War officer), or he may use some other
character. In any case, audience participation is an essential part
of Khabir’s presentations. Khabir, at 50 years old, has been a pro-
fessional storyteller for 10 years.
“I like sharing stories that enhance understanding of African
and African-American history and culture and reinforce good so-
cial values,” Khabir says.
He likes to use stories that are stimulating, sometimes humor-
ous, and presented in an entertaining way.
