The Memorial University of Newfoundland Folklore and Language Archive (MUNFLA) was a joint creation of the departments of Folklore and English and was established in 1968 to coordinate diverse research in Newfoundland studies undertaken in both departments, to facilitate the mutual use of common material, to organize it for research and publication, and to create a permanent record for future generations.

The archive comprises extensive collections of Newfoundland and Labrador folksongs and music (See Folk Songs of Atlantic Canada from the MacEdward Leach Collection), folk narratives of many kinds, oral histories, folk customs, beliefs and practices, childlore and descriptions of material culture.

It has special collections of Newfoundland vocabulary (such as The Dictionary of Newfoundland Word Form Database), proverbs and riddles, and houses material for a projected linguistic atlas of the province. Newfoundland popular culture is an increasing element in MUNFLA's holdings, including commercial recordings, radio broadcasts, and recordings of local theatrical performances.

MUNFLA is an integral part of the teaching and research activities of the Department of Folklore at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Graduate students are encouraged to discover its value through their work as archival assistants, and by conducting their own research with its materials.

MUNFLA is a remarkable resource and is based on the contributions of students, faculty, staff, and other researchers from the past 50+ years. We look forward to seeing what the next 50 will bring! 

For more information, please consult MUNFLA's brochure or send us an email.