My colleague is looking for a word that means to pass down knowledge from one generation to the next….any suggestions?
Welcome, Rebecca. There's 'transmit', and 'bequeath', but neither of these specifically refers to knowledge.
Well, the metaphor commonly used is to pass on the torch of knowledge or wisdom even; the latter is commonly understood to be abiding ideas. Though I realise that doesn't answer the question. I think words like 'transference', 'conveyance' and 'communication' aren't too bad. 'Propagation' might give it a bit of a negative connotation. But then what happend to good ol' 'education'?
I'll spread the word that you are lookin' for 411 on all that cuz I got some boys whose rap is all 'bout splaynin', Lucy.