The oral tradition in the African diaspora

doi:10.1017/CHOL9780521832755.008

7 - The oral tradition in the African diaspora

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 March 2008

Maureen Warner-Lewis

Edited by

F. Abiola Irele and

Simon Gikandi

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F. Abiola Irele: Affiliation:
Harvard University, Massachusetts
Simon Gikandi: Affiliation:
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

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Summary

Orality is the exercise of human verbal communication. Orality transmutes into orature, oracy, or oral literature when either unconsciously or deliberately couched in esthetic forms rather than when deployed in perfunctory manner or primarily for content transmission. Chirograph-centered analysts such as Walter Ong (1982: 11–14) consider the term “oral literature” an oxy-moron. However, if the concept of “literature” is not indivisibly tied to language inscription, and its esthetic function foregrounded, then it equates with “verbal art.” Esthetic structures are culture-specific to the extent that they are grounded in the sound, syntax, semantic and idiomatic configurations of a particular language system, but such structures occur universally and attract hearer attention within each language community. Among these structures are syntactic and semantic parallelisms which produce rhythmic phrasing; stock attributions and idioms, and their converse–syntactic inversions and unexpected semantic manipulation; imagery, metaphor, and simile; rhyme and alliteration; irony in plot or word-choice; dialogue which advances plot and consolidates character and setting; witty verbal exchange producing humor or surprise; conflictual situations; opposed character traits; the evocation of contrasting moods. These are also the very structures employed in scribal literature.

Given the traditionally limited use of literacy in most African societies (see Gregsen 1977: 174–93; Gérard 1981), orature genres, themes, styles, and performance techniques have historically been primary vehicles of communication, enculturation, entertainment, and societal acclamation. As cognitive and performative skills, these verbal traditions were among the few but highly significant possessions brought to the Americas by the enslaved survivors of transatlantic crossings.

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Type: Chapter
Information: The Cambridge History of African and Caribbean Literature , pp. 117 - 136

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CHOL9780521832755.008 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2000

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