International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Humanities and Social Science. IJHSSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Humanities and Social Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
‘Folkism’ and the search for a relevant nigerian literary theatre sam ukala’s...Alexander Decker
This document discusses the concept of a "relevant Nigerian literary theatre" and analyzes Sam Ukala's theory of "Folkism" as a way to ensure relevance. It summarizes Ukala's theory, which derives dramaturgical techniques from African folktales, including eight "laws of aesthetic response." It uses two of Ukala's plays, The Placenta of Death and Akpakaland, as examples that demonstrate Folkism's potential to create politically and culturally relevant Nigerian theater. The document argues Folkism can address past failures of Nigerian plays to fully connect with domestic audiences due to inappropriate language and subject matter.
Prominant story tellers india 'folklore' course snuTulika Chandra
Just a few names - out of many prominent Indian Story Tellers. India has so many story-tellers. They are the real ‘active bearers’ of tradition and are contributors towards the preservation of folklore.
Oral Communication and Philippine Literature LET Reviewerronadelarosa
This document discusses speech and oral communication. It provides a diagram labeling the speech-producing mechanism and its parts. It then covers phonetics and phonetic transcription. It discusses the smallest units of speech (phonemes, syllables, words), types of sounds (vowels, consonants, diphthongs), and how consonants can be classified based on manner of articulation (plosive, fricative, nasal, etc.). It also addresses oral communication, public speaking, literature in the Philippines during different time periods, and literary forms.
Spanish colonial texts and Pre-colonial texts CompilationAlsed Veliganilao
This document provides an overview of pre-colonial and Spanish colonial Philippine literature. It discusses various pre-colonial oral literary forms like folk tales, epics, poems, and songs that existed across ethnic groups. It also summarizes some significant ethnographic epics. When the Spanish colonized the Philippines, they began influencing the culture and introduced the Roman alphabet and works of Christian doctrine. Literary works from the Spanish period included religious books, dictionaries documenting local languages, poems, metrical romances, songs, and Passion plays. Notable novels from this era discussed are Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
This document provides an overview of basic concepts in literature theory and defines key terms. It discusses definitions of literature, noting it can be defined as any creative work that uses language to reflect social realities with the aims of educating, entertaining, criticizing or informing society. Literature draws from reality but is artistic in nature. It also examines differences between literary works and other types of writing like science or law texts. The document outlines oral and written literature genres and discusses novels, plays, and poetry. It explores the social role of artists and relationships between literature and other arts.
Presented by Debra Klein at the Annual Conference of the Visual Resources Association, April 3rd - April 6th, 2013, in Providence, Rhode Island.
Session #09: Documenting the Art of Africa: Creating New Vocabularies
ORGANIZER: Karen Kessel, Sonoma State University
MODERATOR: Carole Pawloski, Eastern Michigan University
PRESENTERS:
Debra Klein, Bard College
Jennifer Larson, Department of the Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Carole Pawloski, Eastern Michigan University
Endorsed by the Education Committee
Over 100 years ago, artists like Picasso and Gauguin found novel inspiration for their art in the creative works of art from exotic places like Africa and the South Pacific. Digital technology has created the ability to more widely share the resources that we manage yet our vocabulary in describing them is limited. Most Western cultures still view traditional arts of the African continent with a Western aesthetic. People are more interested in how the work is formally viewed than its original function or how and why it was created and how it is displayed. There is often much lacking with record descriptions, cataloging and display that would both enhance the work and give viewers a more accurate understanding of each object. More complete records would enhance the usefulness of object records for multiple disciplines. The influence of African art on the work of Western artists could be documented in the object records. This session will strive to provide these missing elements and further cultural understanding by presenting some of the concerns about the documentation of objects being addressed by current scholars in African art history and related fields. It will touch on the evolving standards and codification of traditional African art, the multiplicity of functionality within objects, and how to better convey meaning through the documentation and contextual display of objects. At the same time, we need to be aware that these cultures may express a need to limit the sharing of information about works that have special significance to their own cultural communities or ethnic groups.
Thursday April 4, 2013 1:35pm - 2:55pm
The relationship between culture, language and literature cannot be overemphasized. Culture shows itself in everything-language, literature, performing arts, verbal and non-verbal behaviourof people, etc. We not only represent but also embody our respective cultures. Cultures may differ in codes, conducts, cuisines and culinary delights, coaxing, customs, conventions,contraception, costumes or clothing, courtesies, conversation or communication, clock-time,concepts, conveniences, calendars, currencies, contracts, contacts, queues and quietness,courting, questions, crossing, consumerism, collaboration and competition, collectivism andcrafts.
‘Folkism’ and the search for a relevant nigerian literary theatre sam ukala’s...Alexander Decker
This document discusses the concept of a "relevant Nigerian literary theatre" and analyzes Sam Ukala's theory of "Folkism" as a way to ensure relevance. It summarizes Ukala's theory, which derives dramaturgical techniques from African folktales, including eight "laws of aesthetic response." It uses two of Ukala's plays, The Placenta of Death and Akpakaland, as examples that demonstrate Folkism's potential to create politically and culturally relevant Nigerian theater. The document argues Folkism can address past failures of Nigerian plays to fully connect with domestic audiences due to inappropriate language and subject matter.
Prominant story tellers india 'folklore' course snuTulika Chandra
Just a few names - out of many prominent Indian Story Tellers. India has so many story-tellers. They are the real ‘active bearers’ of tradition and are contributors towards the preservation of folklore.
Oral Communication and Philippine Literature LET Reviewerronadelarosa
This document discusses speech and oral communication. It provides a diagram labeling the speech-producing mechanism and its parts. It then covers phonetics and phonetic transcription. It discusses the smallest units of speech (phonemes, syllables, words), types of sounds (vowels, consonants, diphthongs), and how consonants can be classified based on manner of articulation (plosive, fricative, nasal, etc.). It also addresses oral communication, public speaking, literature in the Philippines during different time periods, and literary forms.
Spanish colonial texts and Pre-colonial texts CompilationAlsed Veliganilao
This document provides an overview of pre-colonial and Spanish colonial Philippine literature. It discusses various pre-colonial oral literary forms like folk tales, epics, poems, and songs that existed across ethnic groups. It also summarizes some significant ethnographic epics. When the Spanish colonized the Philippines, they began influencing the culture and introduced the Roman alphabet and works of Christian doctrine. Literary works from the Spanish period included religious books, dictionaries documenting local languages, poems, metrical romances, songs, and Passion plays. Notable novels from this era discussed are Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
This document provides an overview of basic concepts in literature theory and defines key terms. It discusses definitions of literature, noting it can be defined as any creative work that uses language to reflect social realities with the aims of educating, entertaining, criticizing or informing society. Literature draws from reality but is artistic in nature. It also examines differences between literary works and other types of writing like science or law texts. The document outlines oral and written literature genres and discusses novels, plays, and poetry. It explores the social role of artists and relationships between literature and other arts.
Presented by Debra Klein at the Annual Conference of the Visual Resources Association, April 3rd - April 6th, 2013, in Providence, Rhode Island.
Session #09: Documenting the Art of Africa: Creating New Vocabularies
ORGANIZER: Karen Kessel, Sonoma State University
MODERATOR: Carole Pawloski, Eastern Michigan University
PRESENTERS:
Debra Klein, Bard College
Jennifer Larson, Department of the Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Carole Pawloski, Eastern Michigan University
Endorsed by the Education Committee
Over 100 years ago, artists like Picasso and Gauguin found novel inspiration for their art in the creative works of art from exotic places like Africa and the South Pacific. Digital technology has created the ability to more widely share the resources that we manage yet our vocabulary in describing them is limited. Most Western cultures still view traditional arts of the African continent with a Western aesthetic. People are more interested in how the work is formally viewed than its original function or how and why it was created and how it is displayed. There is often much lacking with record descriptions, cataloging and display that would both enhance the work and give viewers a more accurate understanding of each object. More complete records would enhance the usefulness of object records for multiple disciplines. The influence of African art on the work of Western artists could be documented in the object records. This session will strive to provide these missing elements and further cultural understanding by presenting some of the concerns about the documentation of objects being addressed by current scholars in African art history and related fields. It will touch on the evolving standards and codification of traditional African art, the multiplicity of functionality within objects, and how to better convey meaning through the documentation and contextual display of objects. At the same time, we need to be aware that these cultures may express a need to limit the sharing of information about works that have special significance to their own cultural communities or ethnic groups.
Thursday April 4, 2013 1:35pm - 2:55pm
The relationship between culture, language and literature cannot be overemphasized. Culture shows itself in everything-language, literature, performing arts, verbal and non-verbal behaviourof people, etc. We not only represent but also embody our respective cultures. Cultures may differ in codes, conducts, cuisines and culinary delights, coaxing, customs, conventions,contraception, costumes or clothing, courtesies, conversation or communication, clock-time,concepts, conveniences, calendars, currencies, contracts, contacts, queues and quietness,courting, questions, crossing, consumerism, collaboration and competition, collectivism andcrafts.
Afro-Asian literature refers to writings from Africa and Asia that reflect the traditions, customs, and philosophies of those regions. It includes oral traditions as well as contemporary written works like poems, plays, and prose from various countries and cultures. Literary works in this genre often emphasize the history, culture, and struggles of Afro-Asian peoples while also addressing common themes like nature, peace, and emotions. Examples include the poem "Petals of Blood" about respecting nature's power, and the novel "No Longer at Ease" concerning colonialism's impact in Nigeria.
Afro-Asian literature began as oral traditions that documented the experiences and cultures of African and Asian people. It reflected their customs, traditions, philosophies, and struggles for independence. While initially passed down orally due to lack of literacy, Afro-Asian literature later developed written genres like poetry, songs, plays, and textbooks to both entertain and educate about history and culture. Today, it continues to allow people to learn about different experiences and cultures from around the world.
Africa is the second largest continent covering about 30.2 million square kilometers. It has an incredibly diverse array of peoples, languages, and cultures. The main language families include Afroasiatic, Nilo-Saharan, and Niger-Congo languages. Africa has a long tradition of oral literature including myths, epics, praise poems, proverbs and more. These oral traditions play an important role in African culture and continue to be an influential form of expression.
The document summarizes the evolution of minstrels from ancient times to the present day. It describes how minstrels originated as singers who spread news and epics in pre-industrial societies. It discusses different types of minstrels that emerged in various cultures across history, such as rhapsodists in Greece, troubadours in medieval Europe, ashiks in Turkey and Azerbaijan, and manaschi who perform the Epic of Manas in Kyrgyzstan. The roles of minstrels have changed over time with social and technological developments but some traditions still exist today.
Afro-Asian literature began around 5,000 years ago and has recorded the dreams and visions of various peoples. Chinese is one of the oldest written languages still in use today. Chinese classics include texts on changes, history, rites, odes, and annals. Confucius was a famous Chinese philosopher whose teachings emphasized virtue, ethics, and social harmony. Island Southeast Asian literature includes religious songs, myths, fables, and oral prose forms from Indonesia, Malaysia, and surrounding areas. Major works include the Ramayana and writings in Malay and Javanese languages. Important modern Indonesian authors wrote in both Malay/Indonesian and were influenced by Western traditions.
This document provides an outline and analysis of an assignment comparing four South Asian poets: Aga Shahid Ali, Kamala Das, Raza Ali Hassan, and Taslima Nasrin. It discusses each poet's background, major themes in their work, and poetic styles. For each poet, it examines their treatment of issues like identity, nationalism, oppression, and feminism. The document also analyzes similarities and differences in the poets' thematic focuses and literary techniques.
Gender Issues in the Lion and the Jewel by Wole Soyinka: A Linguistics-Orient...Bahram Kazemian
This document summarizes a research article that analyzes gender issues in the play "The Lion and the Jewel" by Wole Soyinka through a linguistic analysis using Systemic Functional Grammar and Critical Discourse Analysis. The analysis finds that male characters are portrayed as strong, powerful initiators while female characters are represented as goals or beneficiaries of male actions, associated with emotion. This portrayal suggests Soyinka represents males in a position of power over females in the traditional Yoruba society depicted in the play.
Iqbal, jinnah and india's partition an intimate relationshipAqib Javid
This document provides a summary and analysis of the political relationship between Muhammad Iqbal and Muhammad Ali Jinnah and their roles in the Pakistan movement. It discusses how Iqbal's poetry and writings show the evolution of his thinking from advocating Hindu-Muslim unity to increasingly supporting Muslim separatism and the idea of an independent Muslim state. The relationship between Iqbal and Jinnah in the 1930s is described as highly influential, as Jinnah appropriated Iqbal's political-philosophical vision to forge the Muslim League's demand for a separate nation. The relationship had far-reaching consequences in shaping the partition of British India along religious lines.
The document provides an overview of Chinese literary history from ancient dynasties like Shang and Han to modern times. Key points include:
- The Shang Dynasty in 1600 BC marked the earliest Chinese literature found in oracle bones containing early forms of Chinese writing.
- Confucius established Confucianism in the 500s BC, emphasizing moral character development and responsibility through rules of behavior.
- The Tang Dynasty in the 7th-12th centuries AD was a golden age of poetry, philosophy, and arts with famous poets like Li Po and Tu Fu.
- Lu Xun introduced modern Chinese literature in the early 20th century with works criticizing traditional culture like "Diary of a Madman."
Afro-Asian literature refers to written works produced by those of mixed African-Arab or African-Asian ethnicity, reflecting the customs and traditions of Africa and Asia. It includes some of the earliest recorded literature, such as the Egyptian Book of the Dead. Afro-Asian literature is important as it promotes learning about different cultures and experiences from around the world, and represents a sign of increasing globalization and modernity.
This document provides lesson plans for a literature class focusing on 21st century works from the Philippines and other parts of the world. The lessons examine different genres like poetry, essays, and short stories. One lesson looks at a poem about Mount Mayon volcano in Albay and has students analyze imagery and themes. Another analyzes a poem about oppression under the Marcos regime through group presentations. A third discusses an essay about living near the eruption of Mount Pinatubo through a roleplaying activity.
This document provides an overview of literature, including its history and major forms. It discusses how literature originated in early civilizations through oral and written traditions. The major forms are poetry, which uses aesthetic qualities of language, and prose, which uses ordinary syntax. The document also summarizes different types of prose and discusses literature in the Philippines from pre-Hispanic epics to forms that developed during the Spanish colonial period like religious poetry, metrical romances, corridos and awit. It notes how Filipino intellectuals in the 19th century began writing about colonization, fueling calls for reform.
The poetics of joking relationships among the borana clans, kenyaAlexander Decker
This document summarizes a research paper on joking relationships among Borana clans in Kenya. It describes how clans either have respectful or antagonistic relationships, with the latter engaging in joking through oral poems and performances. It provides an example where a councilor used traditional joking to intervene in a political issue, performing a poem that humorously addressed tensions between a MP and his constituents. The summary analyzes how this genre relies on shared cultural knowledge and allows open criticism through humor. It also briefly outlines the clan system and context of joking/avoidance relationships among the Borana people.
The document summarizes key themes, motifs, and symbols in Chinua Achebe's novel Things Fall Apart. The major themes are: 1) the struggle between tradition and cultural change in the village, 2) varying interpretations of masculinity as seen through Okonkwo's character, and 3) the role of language and cultural differences. Important motifs include chi, animal imagery, and fire symbolizing Okonkwo's anger. Key symbols are locusts representing colonizers and fire representing Okonkwo's destructive rage.
This document discusses pre-colonial Philippine literature, including genres like folktales, myths, legends, proverbs, riddles, nursery rhymes, and chants that were orally transmitted. It provides examples of works from each genre and explains that early Filipino writing used systems like Baybayin to document some literary works before they were destroyed by Spanish colonizers. Understanding pre-colonial literature can help one better comprehend present-day Philippine culture and values that have been passed down through traditions.
This document defines and discusses oral literature. It notes that oral literature refers to verbal art transmitted through word of mouth, including epic poems, songs, myths, and folk tales. Oral literature is produced anonymously and passed down generations through oral transmission. It serves purposes like educating societies, passing on culture and messages, entertainment, and filling time. Oral works are typically shorter forms, fluid, meant to be performed, reflective of shared values, and closely tied to performance contexts.
AFRICAN LITERATURE IN THE MAKING FROM PRE-COLONIALISM TO POST-COLONIALISMWendy Hager
This document provides an overview of the evolution of African literature from oral traditions to modern written works. It discusses four main phases: oral literature/orature, pre-colonial literature, colonial literature, and post-colonial literature. Oral literature refers to the traditional stories, poems, songs, and other forms passed down orally for generations. Some early written works from the 15th-19th centuries during the slave trade are considered pre-colonial literature. Colonial literature emerged under European colonial rule and influence. Post-colonial literature since independence movements is when African literature established itself as an intellectual movement resisting oppression. The document traces the historical development while acknowledging the complex relationships between oral and written traditions in African literature.
This document provides an overview of literary appreciation as an introductory textbook for senior secondary school students in Nigeria. It covers the key elements and genres of literature such as character, plot, theme, poetry, drama and prose. It also defines literary appreciation and discusses the functions and techniques of literature. The purpose is to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge of literary appreciation needed to perform well in Literature examinations like SSCE and JAMB.
Presentation on Gabriel Okara's 'You Laughed and Laughed and Laughed' & 'The ...Pooja Bhuva
Hello Everyone,
This is Pooja Bhuva, a student at the Department of English, MKBU pursuing a Masters Degree in English. These slides includes information about the writer Gabriel Okara and his two poems ‘You Laughed and Laughed and Laughed’ and ‘The Piano and The Drums’. If you have any query, reach out to me through the contacts given below.
Instagram:
/ bhuva6606
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Blogger: https://poojabhuva666.blogspot.com/?m=1
Slideshare: https://www.slideshare.net/BhuvaPooja
Pinterest: https://pin.it/61G8RDU
There were several literary periods in ancient Philippine literature:
- The ancient period featured folk songs, epics, narratives and sung narratives that told myths, historical stories, and reflected community ethics. Popular genres included riddles, proverbs, folk speeches, and folk narratives.
- The Spanish colonial period saw the rise of theater and introduction of Spanish religious songs, poetry and prose which aimed to influence society. Writers began using prose to critique colonization.
- The American period brought English and some American influences like free verse poetry and short stories. Romantic novels became popular.
The document provides an overview of pre-Spanish Philippine literature, which was characterized by legends, folk tales, and epics that reflected ancient Filipino customs and traditions. Some examples of pre-Spanish literary forms discussed include the Legend of the Tagalogs, The Moon and the Sun folk tale, Biag ni Lam-ang epic, and folk songs like kundiman. Other forms mentioned are epigrams, riddles, chants, maxims, and proverbs.
Afro-Asian literature refers to writings from Africa and Asia that reflect the traditions, customs, and philosophies of those regions. It includes oral traditions as well as contemporary written works like poems, plays, and prose from various countries and cultures. Literary works in this genre often emphasize the history, culture, and struggles of Afro-Asian peoples while also addressing common themes like nature, peace, and emotions. Examples include the poem "Petals of Blood" about respecting nature's power, and the novel "No Longer at Ease" concerning colonialism's impact in Nigeria.
Afro-Asian literature began as oral traditions that documented the experiences and cultures of African and Asian people. It reflected their customs, traditions, philosophies, and struggles for independence. While initially passed down orally due to lack of literacy, Afro-Asian literature later developed written genres like poetry, songs, plays, and textbooks to both entertain and educate about history and culture. Today, it continues to allow people to learn about different experiences and cultures from around the world.
Africa is the second largest continent covering about 30.2 million square kilometers. It has an incredibly diverse array of peoples, languages, and cultures. The main language families include Afroasiatic, Nilo-Saharan, and Niger-Congo languages. Africa has a long tradition of oral literature including myths, epics, praise poems, proverbs and more. These oral traditions play an important role in African culture and continue to be an influential form of expression.
The document summarizes the evolution of minstrels from ancient times to the present day. It describes how minstrels originated as singers who spread news and epics in pre-industrial societies. It discusses different types of minstrels that emerged in various cultures across history, such as rhapsodists in Greece, troubadours in medieval Europe, ashiks in Turkey and Azerbaijan, and manaschi who perform the Epic of Manas in Kyrgyzstan. The roles of minstrels have changed over time with social and technological developments but some traditions still exist today.
Afro-Asian literature began around 5,000 years ago and has recorded the dreams and visions of various peoples. Chinese is one of the oldest written languages still in use today. Chinese classics include texts on changes, history, rites, odes, and annals. Confucius was a famous Chinese philosopher whose teachings emphasized virtue, ethics, and social harmony. Island Southeast Asian literature includes religious songs, myths, fables, and oral prose forms from Indonesia, Malaysia, and surrounding areas. Major works include the Ramayana and writings in Malay and Javanese languages. Important modern Indonesian authors wrote in both Malay/Indonesian and were influenced by Western traditions.
This document provides an outline and analysis of an assignment comparing four South Asian poets: Aga Shahid Ali, Kamala Das, Raza Ali Hassan, and Taslima Nasrin. It discusses each poet's background, major themes in their work, and poetic styles. For each poet, it examines their treatment of issues like identity, nationalism, oppression, and feminism. The document also analyzes similarities and differences in the poets' thematic focuses and literary techniques.
Gender Issues in the Lion and the Jewel by Wole Soyinka: A Linguistics-Orient...Bahram Kazemian
This document summarizes a research article that analyzes gender issues in the play "The Lion and the Jewel" by Wole Soyinka through a linguistic analysis using Systemic Functional Grammar and Critical Discourse Analysis. The analysis finds that male characters are portrayed as strong, powerful initiators while female characters are represented as goals or beneficiaries of male actions, associated with emotion. This portrayal suggests Soyinka represents males in a position of power over females in the traditional Yoruba society depicted in the play.
Iqbal, jinnah and india's partition an intimate relationshipAqib Javid
This document provides a summary and analysis of the political relationship between Muhammad Iqbal and Muhammad Ali Jinnah and their roles in the Pakistan movement. It discusses how Iqbal's poetry and writings show the evolution of his thinking from advocating Hindu-Muslim unity to increasingly supporting Muslim separatism and the idea of an independent Muslim state. The relationship between Iqbal and Jinnah in the 1930s is described as highly influential, as Jinnah appropriated Iqbal's political-philosophical vision to forge the Muslim League's demand for a separate nation. The relationship had far-reaching consequences in shaping the partition of British India along religious lines.
The document provides an overview of Chinese literary history from ancient dynasties like Shang and Han to modern times. Key points include:
- The Shang Dynasty in 1600 BC marked the earliest Chinese literature found in oracle bones containing early forms of Chinese writing.
- Confucius established Confucianism in the 500s BC, emphasizing moral character development and responsibility through rules of behavior.
- The Tang Dynasty in the 7th-12th centuries AD was a golden age of poetry, philosophy, and arts with famous poets like Li Po and Tu Fu.
- Lu Xun introduced modern Chinese literature in the early 20th century with works criticizing traditional culture like "Diary of a Madman."
Afro-Asian literature refers to written works produced by those of mixed African-Arab or African-Asian ethnicity, reflecting the customs and traditions of Africa and Asia. It includes some of the earliest recorded literature, such as the Egyptian Book of the Dead. Afro-Asian literature is important as it promotes learning about different cultures and experiences from around the world, and represents a sign of increasing globalization and modernity.
This document provides lesson plans for a literature class focusing on 21st century works from the Philippines and other parts of the world. The lessons examine different genres like poetry, essays, and short stories. One lesson looks at a poem about Mount Mayon volcano in Albay and has students analyze imagery and themes. Another analyzes a poem about oppression under the Marcos regime through group presentations. A third discusses an essay about living near the eruption of Mount Pinatubo through a roleplaying activity.
This document provides an overview of literature, including its history and major forms. It discusses how literature originated in early civilizations through oral and written traditions. The major forms are poetry, which uses aesthetic qualities of language, and prose, which uses ordinary syntax. The document also summarizes different types of prose and discusses literature in the Philippines from pre-Hispanic epics to forms that developed during the Spanish colonial period like religious poetry, metrical romances, corridos and awit. It notes how Filipino intellectuals in the 19th century began writing about colonization, fueling calls for reform.
The poetics of joking relationships among the borana clans, kenyaAlexander Decker
This document summarizes a research paper on joking relationships among Borana clans in Kenya. It describes how clans either have respectful or antagonistic relationships, with the latter engaging in joking through oral poems and performances. It provides an example where a councilor used traditional joking to intervene in a political issue, performing a poem that humorously addressed tensions between a MP and his constituents. The summary analyzes how this genre relies on shared cultural knowledge and allows open criticism through humor. It also briefly outlines the clan system and context of joking/avoidance relationships among the Borana people.
The document summarizes key themes, motifs, and symbols in Chinua Achebe's novel Things Fall Apart. The major themes are: 1) the struggle between tradition and cultural change in the village, 2) varying interpretations of masculinity as seen through Okonkwo's character, and 3) the role of language and cultural differences. Important motifs include chi, animal imagery, and fire symbolizing Okonkwo's anger. Key symbols are locusts representing colonizers and fire representing Okonkwo's destructive rage.
This document discusses pre-colonial Philippine literature, including genres like folktales, myths, legends, proverbs, riddles, nursery rhymes, and chants that were orally transmitted. It provides examples of works from each genre and explains that early Filipino writing used systems like Baybayin to document some literary works before they were destroyed by Spanish colonizers. Understanding pre-colonial literature can help one better comprehend present-day Philippine culture and values that have been passed down through traditions.
This document defines and discusses oral literature. It notes that oral literature refers to verbal art transmitted through word of mouth, including epic poems, songs, myths, and folk tales. Oral literature is produced anonymously and passed down generations through oral transmission. It serves purposes like educating societies, passing on culture and messages, entertainment, and filling time. Oral works are typically shorter forms, fluid, meant to be performed, reflective of shared values, and closely tied to performance contexts.
AFRICAN LITERATURE IN THE MAKING FROM PRE-COLONIALISM TO POST-COLONIALISMWendy Hager
This document provides an overview of the evolution of African literature from oral traditions to modern written works. It discusses four main phases: oral literature/orature, pre-colonial literature, colonial literature, and post-colonial literature. Oral literature refers to the traditional stories, poems, songs, and other forms passed down orally for generations. Some early written works from the 15th-19th centuries during the slave trade are considered pre-colonial literature. Colonial literature emerged under European colonial rule and influence. Post-colonial literature since independence movements is when African literature established itself as an intellectual movement resisting oppression. The document traces the historical development while acknowledging the complex relationships between oral and written traditions in African literature.
This document provides an overview of literary appreciation as an introductory textbook for senior secondary school students in Nigeria. It covers the key elements and genres of literature such as character, plot, theme, poetry, drama and prose. It also defines literary appreciation and discusses the functions and techniques of literature. The purpose is to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge of literary appreciation needed to perform well in Literature examinations like SSCE and JAMB.
Presentation on Gabriel Okara's 'You Laughed and Laughed and Laughed' & 'The ...Pooja Bhuva
Hello Everyone,
This is Pooja Bhuva, a student at the Department of English, MKBU pursuing a Masters Degree in English. These slides includes information about the writer Gabriel Okara and his two poems ‘You Laughed and Laughed and Laughed’ and ‘The Piano and The Drums’. If you have any query, reach out to me through the contacts given below.
Instagram:
/ bhuva6606
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Blogger: https://poojabhuva666.blogspot.com/?m=1
Slideshare: https://www.slideshare.net/BhuvaPooja
Pinterest: https://pin.it/61G8RDU
There were several literary periods in ancient Philippine literature:
- The ancient period featured folk songs, epics, narratives and sung narratives that told myths, historical stories, and reflected community ethics. Popular genres included riddles, proverbs, folk speeches, and folk narratives.
- The Spanish colonial period saw the rise of theater and introduction of Spanish religious songs, poetry and prose which aimed to influence society. Writers began using prose to critique colonization.
- The American period brought English and some American influences like free verse poetry and short stories. Romantic novels became popular.
The document provides an overview of pre-Spanish Philippine literature, which was characterized by legends, folk tales, and epics that reflected ancient Filipino customs and traditions. Some examples of pre-Spanish literary forms discussed include the Legend of the Tagalogs, The Moon and the Sun folk tale, Biag ni Lam-ang epic, and folk songs like kundiman. Other forms mentioned are epigrams, riddles, chants, maxims, and proverbs.
Chapter 1:Introduction to the Study of Literature
Chapter 2: The Pre-Spanish Period
Chapter 3: The Spanish Period (1565-1898)
Chapter 4: The Period of Enlightenment (1872-1898)
Chapter 5: The American Regime (1898-1941)
Chapter 6: The Japanese Period (1941-1945)
Chapter 7: The Rebirth of Freedom (1946-1970)
Chapter 8: Period of Activism (1970-1972)
Chapter 9: Period of the New Society (1972-1980)
Chapter 10 : Period of the Third Republic (1981-1985)
Chapter 11: Periods (1986-1999)
Part II – Representative Compositions through the Years
Part III – Literary Compositions from 1986-1999
This document provides an overview of Philippine literature. It begins by explaining that Philippine literature evolved alongside the country's history, starting with oral traditions before Spanish influence. Several genres of Philippine literature are then defined, including novels, short stories, plays, legends, and fables. The document also discusses how literature was initially oral traditions and later written works influenced by Spanish colonizers. It provides context on the themes of Philippine literature and emphasizes the importance of understanding a country's literary heritage.
This document provides an overview of pre-Spanish Philippine literature. It discusses the forms of literature that existed before the Spanish arrived, including legends, folk tales, and epics that expressed the culture and traditions of early Filipinos. Some examples of pre-Spanish epics mentioned are the Biag ni Lam-ang and Maragtas. Folk songs are also identified as one of the oldest forms of Philippine literature from this period, with specific examples provided like the Kundiman and Kumintang.
This document provides an overview of Philippine literature, including definitions of literature, reasons for studying Philippine literature, and time frames that mark its development in English. It discusses the relationship between literature and history, influential literary works worldwide, and general types of literature such as prose, poetry, narratives, lyrics, and dramas. The document aims to introduce key concepts in Philippine literature for students.
The passage discusses Chinua Achebe's novel Things Fall Apart and how it portrays Igbo culture in Nigeria prior to European colonialism. It analyzes how Achebe incorporates aspects of Igbo culture like proverbs, traditions, and family relationships to normalize African identity and counter stereotypes. The purpose of Achebe's writing was to present Igbo culture as complex and relatable in order to push back against views of Africans as primitive or helpless.
This document provides an overview of Philippine literature from pre-colonial to modern times. It begins with discussing pre-colonial oral literature such as riddles, proverbs, folk songs, epics, myths and legends. It then explains the narrative structure and elements of literature such as characters, plot, theme. The major forms of literature - poetry and prose - are described along with examples. The document concludes with discussing genres, literary devices and traditions that define different time periods in Philippine literature.
This document provides an overview of Philippine literature, including definitions of literature, reasons for studying it, and general types and time frames. Some key points:
- Literature is defined as written works that express the ideas, thoughts, and emotions of a people, often through language, and can include fiction or non-fiction.
- Studying literature allows one to better understand a culture and appreciate a nation's heritage through how writers have expressed themselves.
- Philippine literature is typically categorized into periods defined by historical events from 1898 to the present.
- Literature can generally be divided into prose and poetry, with many sub-genres like novels, short stories, plays, essays.
- The document summarizes Chinua Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart" which depicts Igbo culture in Nigeria in the late 19th century. It discusses how Achebe sought to represent African culture authentically in response to the racist depictions in Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness". It also analyzes some key symbols and themes in "Things Fall Apart" like the Igbo concept of "chi" and how the novel critiques European colonialism and cultural imperialism.
L1.1 21st Century Lit - Pre-Colonial Period.pptxArnoldSilverio2
The document discusses Philippine literature from pre-colonial to contemporary times, including the Baybayin writing system used in pre-colonial Philippines, oral literary forms like folktales, legends, myths, epics, and folk songs that were used to pass down stories before colonization. It also provides an overview of Philippine literary periods and examples of oral literature from each period like the Biag ni Lam-ang epic from the Ilocos region and the Hinilawod epic from the Visayas.
This document discusses the history and development of Philippine literature from pre-colonial times through the 21st century. It outlines the major periods of Philippine literary history: pre-colonial, Spanish, American, Japanese, and contemporary. The pre-colonial period included folk songs, speeches, tales, and epics told orally in various Philippine languages and dialects. During the Spanish period, literature was heavily influenced by Spanish language and Catholic traditions. The American period saw the rise of English language literature and imitation of Western styles and genres. The Japanese period saw a renewed focus on literature written in Filipino languages. Contemporary Philippine literature continues to develop across languages and genres.
This document discusses the history and development of Philippine literature from pre-colonial times through the 21st century. It outlines the major periods of Philippine literary history: pre-colonial, Spanish, American, Japanese, and contemporary. The pre-colonial period included folk songs, speeches, tales, and epics told orally in various Philippine languages and dialects. During the Spanish period, literature was heavily influenced by Spanish language and Catholic traditions. The American period saw the rise of English language literature and imitation of Western styles and genres. The Japanese period saw a renewed focus on literature in Filipino languages. Contemporary Philippine literature continues to develop across languages and genres.
Similar to Folklore in Literature: A Tool for Culture Preservation and Entertainment (20)
This tutorial offers a step-by-step guide on how to effectively use Pinterest. It covers the basics such as account creation and navigation, as well as advanced techniques including creating eye-catching pins and optimizing your profile. The tutorial also explores collaboration and networking on the platform. With visual illustrations and clear instructions, this tutorial will equip you with the skills to navigate Pinterest confidently and achieve your goals.
The cherry: beauty, softness, its heart-shaped plastic has inspired artists since Antiquity. Cherries and strawberries were considered the fruits of paradise and thus represented the souls of men.
This document announces the winners of the 2024 Youth Poster Contest organized by MATFORCE. It lists the grand prize and age category winners for grades K-6, 7-12, and individual age groups from 5 years old to 18 years old.
Boudoir photography, a genre that captures intimate and sensual images of individuals, has experienced significant transformation over the years, particularly in New York City (NYC). Known for its diversity and vibrant arts scene, NYC has been a hub for the evolution of various art forms, including boudoir photography. This article delves into the historical background, cultural significance, technological advancements, and the contemporary landscape of boudoir photography in NYC.
Folklore in Literature: A Tool for Culture Preservation and Entertainment
1. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention
ISSN (Online): 2319 – 7722, ISSN (Print): 2319 – 7714
www.ijhssi.org Volume 4 Issue 4 || April. 2015 || PP.57-61
www.ijhssi.org 57 | Page
Folklore in Literature: A Tool for Culture Preservation and
Entertainment
Olivia Adaobi Ihueze
Department of English Language and Literature, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
ABSTRACT: Folklore, which is traditional art, literature, knowledge, and practice that was disseminated largely
through oral communication and behavioural examples was initially collected and documented by some writers
for culture preservation only because they felt that these elements of folklore are going into extinction and need
to be frozen in print. While some writers incorporate folklore materials in their novels, poems, drama for
entertainment and culture preservation. These writers are referred to as active or functional writers but the
former are referred to as passive. Many creative works were critically analyzed to discover the extent of their
use of folklore and it was established that proper understanding of Africa and African literature would be
achieved by relating folklore to the cultural context of a literary work. The study concludes that folklore is a tool
for both culture preservation and entertainment as Chinua Achebe and many other renounced writers did than
just documenting folklore, which does not make for pleasurable reading.
KEYWORDS: Incorporation, folklores, proverbs, passive, preservation, active, functional, folktale,
entertainment
INTRODUCTION
Folklore is all forms of prose narrative, written or oral, which has come down through the years. It may
be folk songs, folktales, riddles, proverbs, or other materials preserved in words or in writing.
Oyekan Owomoyela, (1979), in his book, African Literature: An Introduction, expresses that
there is hardly any phase of tradition and life that is not affected
or regulated by some aspect of the folklore, because it is the
medium through which the behavioural values of the community,
the cumulative wisdom and technology devised by, by gone ages
are made available to the present generation and preserved for posterity (1).
Henning Cohen (1965) in an article ‘American Literature and American Folklore’ writes that ‘folklore
appears in American literature in two ways: passively or actively, that is transcriptive or functionally.’ (240) The
passive is elementary and happens when a writer presents folk materials in its original state. It is mere recording
or imitation of folklore. This type of folklore becomes lifeless when it is removed from the folk, whose creation
it is, and put into print. He also writes that ‘writers who are concerned with creating work of art rather than
providing transcriptions from life use folklore functionally.’(242) He goes ahead to say that folklore has been
made to advance the plot, to characterize, to provide structure, to explain and to raise questions about the nature
of the society.(242-243) Modern folklore writers use folklore to explain or question the society because they
have a rich store of native materials to draw upon.
Some writers like John Iroganachi, Theo Ekechukwu, Romanus Egudu, Rems Umeasiegbu, E. Nolue
Emenanjo and F.C. Ogbalu have collected and compiled folklore. Some stories explain why women have no
beard eg. Rems Ummeasiegbu’s ‘Why Women Do Not Grow Beards’ and Why Hawks Carry Away Chicks in
The Way We Lived (48)
In F.C. Ogbalu’s Nza na Obu where he tells the story about Uremma, we learn that pride is a vice. John
Iroaghachi wrote Oka Mgba, which is another book of Igbo fables. Nolue Emenanjo wrote Igbo Maka
Sekondiri, which contains a lot of Igbo folktales. Romanus Egudu’s The Calabash of Wisdom contains many
Igbo folktales. Words Are Sweet also a book by Rems Umeasiegbu, which treats folktales and Igbo culture as
well. Onwudufor, F.O.F. in Mmanu Eji Eri Okwu (Igbo Proverbs) also compiled proverbs with commentaries.
There are folk songs compiled by J.N. Oriji, who wrote ‘The Aba Women Revolt’ in his book Ngwa History.
One of the folk song is ‘Nzogbu, Enyimba Enyi’. ‘This is a war song meaning ‘We are like elephants, marching
to battle, crushing obstacles on our way’.
F.C. Ogbalu in his book Igbo Poems and Songs wrote down some folk songs like ‘Abu A Na Abu N’egwu
Onwa’.
2. Folklore In Literature: A Tool For Culture…
www.ijhssi.org 58 | Page
Number 16 says:
Tufuonu nwa ruru ala-o
Ubochi ozo amuta ozo
Tufuonu nwa ruru ala-o
Ubochi ozo amuta ozo
Tufuonu ya na ozuru ori-o
Ubochi ozo amuta ozo-o (19)
This song means a cast off the one who desecrates the land. Uzochukwu wrote Mbem Akwamaozu and Abu
Akwamaozu, which contains folk songs sung during burial ceremonies. There are some books on riddles; F.C.
Ogbalu’s Okwu Ntuhi and Amangini? Akwukwo Agwugwa written by F.C. Ogbalu, Rems Umasiegbu and
Bamus C. Abazie.
Rems Umeasiegbu wrote The Palm Oil of Speech: Igbo proverbs where he gave the meanings and usage of
some proverbs; he wrote down 520 proverbs, their translations and contexts. Ogbalu produced Ilu Igbo where he
wrote down over one thousand Igbo proverbs with English interpretations of some. He also wrote Igbo Idioms,
(The Dictionary of Igbo Idioms) without giving the meaning or context making it boring to read.
These writers listed above merely collected and compiled folklore with little or no commentaries. The folklore
that they compiled are only for culture preservation and not for entertainment but folklore used by creative
writers serve the purpose of entertainment and for culture preservation. They write fiction which afford them the
opportunity to insert folklores into narration and dialogue and this gives us new insights into our understanding
of their creative writing.
Songs as Entertainment Tool in Creative Writing
Songs incorporated in creative writing makes reading pleasurable and serve the following function;
One of the functions of songs in the narrative is that they often mark the structure of the story in a clear
attractive way. Songs add a musical aspect, an extra dimension of both enjoyment and skill (In some areas
advanced by drum or instrumental accompaniment or preclude to the narration) for instance, drama- The Gods
are Not to Blame by Ola Rotimi. In addition, Ladipo and Ogunmola write their plays in Yoruba language and
they use singing, dancing and drumming as an integral part of their plays.
J.P. Clark in Ozidi saga tries to recreate a folk saga that is traditionally told over a period of seven days with
attendant religious ceremonies, dancing, drumming and singing. The lyrics quality in his book and Song of a
Goat by J.P. Clark makes traditional Oral literature alive in recreated form.
Another function is that songs provide a formalized means for audience participation. The common pattern is for
the narrator who acts as the leader to introduce the songs whether old or new and the audience will then provide
the chorus. It makes reading a pleasurable endeavour.
Chinua Achebe’s Use of Folklore
Rems Umeasiegbu in his article titled ‘African Literature and the Oral Tradition’ points out that tales
may be used by novelists to pass moral judgment on their characters. Achebe in Things Fall Apart tells a story
of vulture who was asked to go to the sky to ask for rain. The author uses this story to castigate Okonkwo. In No
Longer at Ease, Achebe tells us a story of how tortoise goes on a long journey and asks his people not to send
for him until something unusual happens. When his mother dies, his people tell him a lie to bring him back; he
comes back and takes care of all the funeral expenses (153). This story is used by the author to show the type of
person Obi is. A tale about a man who married two wives in Arrow of God criticizes Ezeulu for his lack of
constancy. (142)
One of the folktales in Arrow of God is centered on a man who had two wives. The senior wife has many
children while the second wife has only a son. This only son proves to be obedient and truthful by obeying the
spirit of the yam-field and receiving a pot filled with ‘every good thing’. His half brother that disobeys the
spirits is given a pot containing horrible diseases and abominations. (214-218)
John Povey commends Achebe’s use of folklore in his novels. He writes in the Introduction to Nigerian
Literature edited by B. king that:
Achebe manages to convey the essential elements of belief of the importance
of the yam festival in Arrow of God for example without there being a sense
that one is reading a series of notes in parenthesis. He makes them an integral
part of the structure of his story, so that we are informed, almost as it were
without recognizing it and our attention is not directed away from the essential
elements which give novels their power of concentration.(98)
Again, another important element of folklore Achebe used effectively is proverb. Proverbial sayings,
expressions and smiles rank first among the types of folklore extracted, probably because they are easier to cull.
Achebe uses proverbs and smiles to narrate his stories, which help to evoke the cultural milieu in which the
3. Folklore In Literature: A Tool For Culture…
www.ijhssi.org 59 | Page
actions take place. Achebe uses proverbs in Things Fall Apart to show Unoka’s weakness, and among others
Okonkwo’s achievement; Okonkwo comes from a very poor family but through his achievement rises to wealth.
Achebe writes, ‘Age was respected among his people, but achievement was revered. As the elders said, if a
child washed his hands he could eat with kings.’ (6)
Austin Shelton(1969) in his paper titled ‘The ‘Palm-oil’ of language: Proverbs in Chinua Achebe’s Novels’
writes that proper understanding of African and other literatures will be achieved by relating the literary works
to cultural context. He goes ahead to bring out Achebe’s method of blending traditional African and European
literary forms in the development of a new and Africanized Literature. According to him, Achebe uses folklores
to combine traditional Africa and modern Africa and to support both plot and characterization. (87) Shelton
writes that Achebe uses folklores in Things Fall Apart to show:
Reaction to Okonkwo’s father’s weakness.
Okonkwo’s achievement.
Okonkwo’s pride and inflexibility, which leads him to kill Ikemefuna. Okonkwo says ‘A child’s
fingers are not scalded by a piece of hot yam which its mother puts into his palm.’ (59)
He also uses folklore on No longer at Ease to show:
Obi’s pride and individualism that led to his downfall.
Obi and abomination.
The individual and the group.
Achebe uses proverbs in his novel to show Okonkwo’s pride and inflexibility as it is again seen in the novel
when Okonkwo starts violating basic communal value in his society. Okonkwo beats one of his wives during the
Week of Peace, thereby committing an evil deed. Achebe writes, ‘…and so people said he had no respect for
gods of the clan. His enemies said his good fortune had gone to his head. They called him the little bird ‘nza’
who so far forget himself after a heavy meal that he challenged his Chi.’ (Things Fall Apart, 26)
The issue of Ogbanje appears in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart where Ezinma, the only daughter of
Okonkwo’s second wife, Ekwefi, falls sick, and it took the intervention of a medicine man Okagbue, to restore
her by digging up the girl’s ‘Iyi-Uwa’ (a covenant with Ogbanje spirit ) for destruction.
Ngozi Ohakanma in her study of ‘The Significance of Oral Tradition in the Works of Achebe’ observes that
through proverbs Achebe depicts the communal nature of the Igbo traditional society… This accounts for why
we have this proverb in Arrow of God: when a man sees a snake all by himself he may wonder whether it is an
ordinary snake or the untouchable python…(253)
Achebe’s use of folklore in his novels is deliberate to show the Whites (Europeans) that Africans had culture
before colonization. He successfully exploited his cultural heritage as he consequently uses folklore, especially
songs, proverbs, tales, myths consistently and thoroughly in his novels. He influenced many Igbo writers like
Nkem Nwankwo, Chukwuemeka Ike, Elechi Amadi, Flora Nwapa, Onuorah Nzekwu, E.C.C. Uzodimma, John
Munonye and Clement Agunwa in his use of folklore`. His inspiration is more evident in the way these authors
use proverbs and other oral lore in their novels.
Nzekwu’s Use of Folklore
Onuorah Nzekwu in Highlife for Lizards (1965) succeeded in creating a vivid portrait of rural Ibo
society, a portrait that captured the colour and rhythm of village life by faithfully reproducing the proverb-rich
language of Africans. In the novel, a man accuses his neighbour of treachery in a meeting of clan, an elder says:
‘... but you and your wife forgot something- a smooth tongue carries snail across thorns. It was providence that
sent the wind that blew aside the fowl’s tail-feathers to expose its anus: else, how could I have suspected you
were planning to snatch my Land from me? (77)
Bernth Lindfors (1973) writes about Nzekwe: ‘Nzekwe had finally learned to make functional use of folklore….
He had also learned how to exploit large units of traditional oral lore artistically by deploying them strategically
in his narrative’. (42)
Halfway through Highlife for Lizards, Nzekwu has one of his players narrate a tale. The tale is about a king
who hates one of his wives. This unlucky wife befriends a monkey who borrowed the woman’s buttocks for an
event and cannot bring it back on time. The woman is about being killed for physical deformity but luckily, for
her as she is lamenting in the forest singing so that the monkey will bring back her buttocks, a parrot passes the
message to the monkey who immediately gives her back her buttocks with a gift of bananas not to be eaten by
her. Incidentally, her co-wife eats it and she sprouts a long tail. The folklore functions as a parable as well as a
paradigm.
Bernth Lindfors in his book Folklore in Nigeria Literature writes that the folklore in Nzekwu’s Highlife for
Lizards about a king who hates one of his wives, ‘elaborates the novel’s larger moral concerns while duplicating
in miniature its basic artistic design.’ (44)
4. Folklore In Literature: A Tool For Culture…
www.ijhssi.org 60 | Page
Folklores in Chukwuemeka Ike’s Novels
In Chukwuemeka Ike’s novels like The Naked God’s, Bottled Leopard, The Potter’s Wheel and Sunset
at Dawn, he uses such folkloric materials as proverbs, folksongs, myths, idioms and idiomatic expressions
realistically.
The subject matter of Ike’s novels incorporates several myths, legends and mysterious incidents. In The Naked
Gods, (Ike.1977) the conflict between Prof Ikin and Dr. Okoro who fight for the post of Vice- Chancellor of
Songhai University leads them to use charms. Okoro consults Ebenebe, the great medicine man reputed to treat
many cases, which had defied orthodox medical attention.‘Patients with one foot in the land of the dead had
been moved from government hospitals to Ebenebe and he had cured them. ‘(48). The culmination of the
consultation of Ebenebe is the preparation of a charm to enable Okoro strike fear into Ikin’s heart.
In Chukwuemeka Ike: A Critical Reader, Ezenwa Ohaeto explains in a paper ‘Structural Synthesis: Oral
Traditions in the Novels of Chukwuemeka Ike’, that the use of charms features in folklore for the production of
either protective powers or aggressive power as the heroes or protagonists embark on their difficult task.’ (qtd in
Okoli Maxwell, 20) Ohaeto says that the issue of myths and legends is particularly significant in The Bottled
Leopard where Amobi, the protagonist, inherits the leopard power of his ancestors. One night, Amobi’s friend,
Chuk, was horried to see Amobi in a vicious struggle with nothing. ‘You could see his muscles tense and sweat
all over him as he rolled from side to side on the floor, lifted his trunk and lowered it, all the time breathing
nosily and uttering incomprehensible sound’. (119)
Nma and Erinma in The Bottled Leopard also experience mysterious incidents. Nma has a problem of
mysterious headache, which is revealed to be the handwork of a playmate. Erinma whose story was presented
through Nma, tells of a mermaid’s desire ‘Mammy water’ to take her away. Erinma would disappear unusually
at night for several hours and her late elder sister had behaved the same way ‘until a dibia later claimed it was
the work of mammy water and outlined the rituals for freeing her. ‘(75)
Ike appears to be saying that there are mysteries in life that cannot be explained through modern scientific
analysis. Explaining the mysteries in life, the dibia who cures Amobi explains that he was almost ruined through
blindness and many mysterious events ‘until he agreed to become a priest of Agwu Ngene’.
In Sunset at Dawn, Ike writes songs of the revolution that rent the air as jubilant Biafra celebrate the capture of
the Midwest. He borrowed songs from F.C. Ogbalu’s Igbo Poems and songs, which he incorporated in Sunset at
Dawn. The song, ‘Abu E ji Ebu Agha’ (125) was sung in the book while rejoicing for the recognition of the
defunct Biafra. Ogbanje also appears in Chukwuemeka Ike’s The Potter’s Wheel, as Obiechina is perceived by
the father, Mazi Laza, as fitting ‘into the picture since the ogbanje chooses to be born into the families which
provide him employment, not sweat.’(59)
Wole Soyinka’s Use of Folklore
Bernth Lindfors (1973) in Folklore in Nigerian Literature writes: ‘Soyinka returns folklore to the folk,
and in so doing, enriches his theatrical art immeasurably. ‘(106)
In A Dance of the Forest, (Sonyinka, 1963) Soyinka uses proverbs to illustrate things like ‘The eye that looks
downwards will certainly see the nose. The hand that dips to the bottom of the pot will eat the biggest snail. The
sky grows no grass but if the earth called her barren, it will drink no more milk. The foot of the snake is not split
in two like a centipede’s but if Agere could dance patiently like the snake, he would uncoil the chain that leads
into the dead …(38)
Soyinka uses proverbs in The Lion and the Jewel to define the nature of the dramatic conflict as a battle of the
sexes. Kongi’s Harvest is Soyinka’s most proverb-riddled play, and it deals with African politics.
The most significant traditional element in at least three of his plays is the overall design of a festival. Lindfors
(1973) posits that Kongi’s festival is modeled on a Yoruba king’s festival, The Strong Breed on a purification
festival, and A Dance of the Forests is on an averted Yoruba Egungun festival (18).
He stresses the fact that ‘the personalities of Soyinka’s characters are often very clearly defined by the proverbs
they use. In A Dance of the Forests, ‘Agboreko…. is a garrulous old windbag’ (106). Lindfors explains further
that
Soyinka frequently weaves them (proverbs) so intricately into the
fabric of dramatic action that they become a vital part of the total
artistic design, a part which could not be altered or eliminated
without destroying the complex patterns of human interaction upon
which the drama itself depends… they are not meaningless, exotic
decorations but elements central to the intense theatrical experience
Soyinka attempts to create’(108).
He writes that proverbs in The Trails of Brother Jero are used to spell out Baroka’s intentions and to keep the
audience amused and alert to what is going on. The proverbs function as independent statements about the
nature of human wisdom, the deceptiveness of outward appearance and the complementary interaction of
opposites-age and youth, male and female, tradition and change (112)
5. Folklore In Literature: A Tool For Culture…
www.ijhssi.org 61 | Page
Flora Nwapa, a female Igbo writer wrote many novels which include Efuru and Idu. She uses folklore to narrate
her stories. The mention of masquerade, dibia, Eke day, Kola, sheep, Goat, Moonlight stories, dowry, bamboo
beds, ogene, Mat, mud-bench, thatched roof, goddess, ogbono, Uhamiri, ‘Ogbu Madu ubosi ndu na agu ya’(151)
etc shows the unfettered use of Igbo words in the novel Efuru. She uses other aspects of folklore like proverbs,
folktales similes, riddle and songs. Flora Nwapa borrowed a lot from oral tradition and employed many
vernacular items in presenting her story.
Conclusion
It is interesting to note that folklore in novels instruct and entertain. E.N. Obiechina (1968) comments
on ‘Amos Tutuola and Oral Traditions’:
Within the folklore, the essential factors are the moral lessons conveyed
by the particular story and its entertainment value. Where and when the
story takes place is not important. Instead of the novels interest in a particular
character, the folktale is interested in morally defined character-types…
heroes and villains of all kinds.(122)
Passive folklore writers document folklore in order to preserve Igbo language and culture because they felt that
it would disappear if not documented. To avert this, these writers quickly documented any folklore they come
across, even if it means repeating them. This documentation is not good enough for serious students of Igbo
culture and folklore, though they exposed the young ones to the history and culture of the community through
them. While functional or active writers incorporate folklores in plays and novels (narratives) to enhance the
understanding, entertainment of their readers and preservation of our culture for future generation. Folklores
used in creative works of African writers do not occur by accident rather were being used for specific roles and
significances which they perform in our culture.
Works Cited
[1]. Onomonyela, Oyekan. African Literatures: An Introduction. (U.S.A: Press Crossroads, 1979).
[2]. Henning Cohen. “American Literature and American Folklore” Journal of American Folklore 78 (1965) 238- 247.
[3]. .Umeasiegbu Rems.The Way We Lived: Ibo Customs and Stories.( London: Heinemann Educational Books, 1969).
[4]. Ogbalu, F.C.,.Nza na Obu. (Onitsha: University Publishing Co., 1997)
[5]. Umeasiegbu, Rems. Words are Sweet. Igbo Stories and Storytelling. (Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1982).
[6]. Oriji, J.N. ‘The Aba Women Revolt’ in J.N. Oriji, Ngwa History (New York: P. Lang, 1997)
[7]. Onwudufor, F.O.F. Mmanu Eji Eri Okwu (Igbo proverbs )(vol.1) Enugu: Snaap press Ltd, 2008
[8]. Ogbalu, F.C.. Igbo Poems & Songs.( Onitsha: University Publishing Co. , 1975)
[9]. Umeasiegbu Rems. The Palm Oil of Speech: Igbo Proverbs.( Enugu: Karuna Books, 1986).
[10]. Ogbalu, F.C.,Ilu Igbo.(Onitsha: Varsity Press,1965)
[11]. Clark, J.P.Ozidi. (Oxford: Oxford University Press. 1979)
[12]. Umeasiegbu Rems.’ African literature and the Oral Tradition’, Studies in African Folklore and
Literature. Vol.10(June 1986):236 – 243. Reprinted in UNIZIK Journal of Arts and Humanities. Vol. ix (Sept. 2007): 25-35.
[13]. Achebe, Chinua, 1958. Things Fall Apart ( London: Heineman, Educational Books.1958)
[14]. Achebe, Chinua. . Arrow of God.( London: Heineman Educational Books1964).
[15]. Achebe, Chinua.. No longer at Ease.( London: Heineman Educational Books. 1960)
[16]. King, B. (ed). Introduction to Nigerian Literature. (London: Macmillian and Co Ltd. 1968),
[17]. Shelton, J. Austin. ‘ The Palm Oil of language: Proverbs in Chinua Achebe ‘s novel’s. Modern language. 1(1969),86-111.
[18]. Ohakanma, N.P,.2008. ‘The significance of oral tradition in African novels, the case of Achebe’s Arrow of God’. Ezechi
Onyerionwu et al(ed) A scholar in the Eyes of His Students. Aba: Conk limited.
[19]. Nzekwe, O. Highlife of Lizards.( London: Heinemann1965)
[20]. Linfors, B., Folklore in Nigeria Literature. (New York: African Publishing Company. 1973)
[21]. Ike, Chukwuemeka. The Bottled Leopard. (Ibadan: University Press Ltd,. 1965)
[22]. Okoli M. E.,2007. The Integration of Folklore in Selected Novels of Chukwuemeka Ike. Unpublished M.A paper, Dept of
English. NAU.Awka.
[23]. Ike, Chukwuemeka. The Naked Gods.( London:Fontana Collins. 1977).
[24]. Ike, Chukwuemeka. Sunset at Dawn.( London:Fontana Collins. 1977).
[25]. Soyinka, Wole. A Dance of the Forests. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1963).
[26]. Soyinka, Wole. The Lion and the Jewel. (London: Oxford University Press, 1963).
[27]. Soyinka, Wole. Kongi’s Harvest. (London: Oxford University Press, 1967)
[28]. Soyinka, Wole. Trials of Brother Jero. ( London: Oxford University Press, 1964)
[29]. Obiechina, E.N. Culture, Tradition and Society in the West Africa Novel.( London: Cambridge University Press. 1968)