Oral literature presentation involves artistic use of language. The other prevailing aspect which makes African oral literature unique is rhythm. This is a characterizing element of songs, musical instruments and dance which are characteristics of African literature.
What certain quality that makes of African literature different?
Characteristics of African literature include slave narratives, protests against colonization, calls for independence, African pride, hope for the future, and dissent.
What makes the oral literature unique?
Even though some of these characteristics can be found in written literature, you will discover that in oral literature they are unique. Some of these characteristics are: verbal variability; performance; audience and dynamism. Let us look at them one by one.
What is the significance of African oral literature in its history?
So the transmission of knowledge, history and experience in West Africa was mainly through the oral tradition and per- formance rather than on written texts. Oral traditions guide social and human morals, giving people a sense of place and purpose.
What influences African literature?
Religion: Most literary works and stories often show themes like divine intervention, colonialism and religion, conflicts of faith, religion and indigenous culture, the mission problematique, religious and secular rituals and sometimes the theological perspectives of the ones writing it.
What are the major themes of African literature?
THEMES OF COLONIALISM, LIBERATION, NATIONALISM, TRADITION, DISPLACEMENT AND ROOTLESSNESS IN AFRICAN LITERATURE This paper deals with some of the themes in African literature such as colonialism, liberation, nationalism, tradition, displacement and rootlessness.
What is unique about African literature?
African literature consists of a body of work in different languages and various genres, ranging from oral literature to literature written in colonial languages (French, Portuguese, and English). … As Africans became literate in their own languages, they often reacted against colonial repression in their writings.
What are elements of oral literature?
Oral literature is a broad term which may include ritual texts, curative chants, epic poems, musical genres, folk tales, creation tales, songs, myths, spells, legends, proverbs, riddles, tongue-twisters, word games, recitations, life histories or historical narratives.
What is the most common characteristic of oral narratives?
Answer. Because oral tradition’s main purposes were to teach moral lessons and entertain, the main characteristic of these stories was the conflict in them. Characters often struggled with making the right decisions or the consequences of wrongful decisions.
What are the characteristics of oral tradition?
Notwithstanding their tremendous diversity, oral traditions share certain characteristics across time and space. Most notably, they are rule-governed. They use special languages and performance arenas while employing flexible patterns and structures that aid composition, retention, and reperformance.
What is the theme of storytelling in African literature?
African proverbs and stories draw upon the collective wisdom of oral peoples, express their “structures of meaning, feeling, thought, and expression,” and thus serve important social and ethical purposes: “The story itself is a primary form of the oral tradition, primary as a mode of conveying culture, experience, and …
What is the importance of oral tradition?
Oral traditions, transmitted in the form of tales, myths and legends, fairytales, songs, especially epic songs and poems, proverbs, riddles and other genres, form an important treasury of many a people’s cultural heritage even today.
What is the nature of storytelling in African literature?
Storytelling is a shared event with people sitting together, listening, and participating in accounts of past deeds, beliefs, taboos, and myths. Repetition of the language and rhythm are two important characteristics of oral storytelling in Africa. Storytellers repeat words, phrases, and stanzas.
Who is the father of African literature?
Chinua Achebe, the Nigerian novelist seen by millions as the father of African literature, has died at the age of 82.
What is African literature examples?
African Literature Books
- Things Fall Apart (The African Trilogy, #1) Chinua Achebe. …
- Half of a Yellow Sun (Hardcover) Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. …
- Americanah (Hardcover) Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. …
- Purple Hibiscus (Paperback) …
- Homegoing (Hardcover) …
- The Thing Around Your Neck (Hardcover) …
- Disgrace (Paperback) …
- So Long a Letter (Paperback)
How important is African literature?
African literature is not important only because of its relevant setting and relatable storylines. It also increases our social consciousness, and raises awareness of social, political, and economic crises that the African continent is facing.