Definition of spoken word

The term "spoken word" originates from the late 20th century as a way to describe a type of performance art that combines spoken poetry, storytelling, and rhythmic recitation. It emerged from the African American and Caribbean oral tradition, which has a history dating back to ancient times. The spoken word movement gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s as a way to address social and political issues through performance. Spoken word poets such as Gil Scott-Heron, the Last Poets, and Nikki Giovanni became influential figures in this movement, using their words to challenge authority, inspire change, and promote social consciousness. The name "spoken word" itself was coined in the 1980s by Elaine Equi, an American poet and founder of the Poetry Project at St. Mark's Church in New York City. Equi used the term as a way to distinguish performance poetry from traditional forms of literature that were typically read silently. The term has since become a widely recognized genre in the arts, and spoken word performances continue to be a powerful tool for activism, self-expression, and community building.