A brief introduction of African literature and discussion of an example literary text written by Ann Grifalconi. For the music video, please download it from youtube.

2. Essential Question
How did man find a way to survive in a harsh
environment and an oppressive society?

3. Objectives:
Identify the distict features of notable African
poems and chants
Explain how the elements of poetry contribute
to the theme of the poem
Describe notable songs, poems, and chants
contributed by African writers

4. Music Video
Wavin’ Flag
FIFA WORLD CUP

5. Music Video
AFRICA AND IT’S PEOPLE

6. African Literature
Literature that has been written for or by the
African people is called African Literature. Their
literature, often oral in nature, may be in prose
or in poetry. Storytellers in Africa often tell
stories using the call-and-response technique.
This is because an African storyteller would
expect his/her audience to give responses or
comments. Poetry is often recited in a sing-
song voice.

7. African Literature
Poetry types:
 Narrative epic
 Occupational verse
 Ritual verse
 Praise poems to rulers or other prominent people
The “praise” singers, bards sometimes known as
“griots,” tell their stories with a musical background.
Also recited but most often sung, are love songs, work
songs, children’s song, epigrams, and riddles.

8. The Village of Round and Square
Houses
(excerpts)
by Ann Grifalconi

9. ROUND TABLE
DISCUSSION

10. About the Author
Ann Grifalconi
Writer and illustrator for several books of
children

11. Guide Questions
1. Who is mother Naka? What were some of
the things that she told them?
2. What images do the fourth and fifth stanza
create in your mind?
3. Who are the following?
⁻ Tall gray things
⁻ Round gray things
⁻ Small gray stones

12. The Village of Round and Square Houses
By Ann Grifalconi
What is the author trying to tell
me through this text?
What must the author know or
understand to be able to write
this text?
How can I best describe the
author?
What specific facts from the
story made me think this way?

13. Feminism
It is a belief that promotes social, political, and
economic equality of both men and women.

14. Assignment
Research, Read, and Study the following:
1. “Africa” by David Diop
2. Elements of Poetry