Why have ethnologists focused on nonliterary people?

Ethnologists have focused on nonliterary people because they often preserve traditional oral cultures and practices that have been largely unaffected by written texts. By studying nonliterary communities, ethnologists can gain valuable insights into the ways in which cultures transmit knowledge, customs, and beliefs orally across generations. Additionally, nonliterary societies are often marginalized and understudied, making their documentation important for preserving cultural diversity.