Explore the features of pre-colonial African literature in a selected literary work

Oral Tradition as the Foundation

Pre-colonial African literature was primarily oral, transmitted through speech, song, and performance from one generation to the next. This includes:

• Folktales and Fairy Tales — stories teaching moral lessons through animal characters or human protagonists
• Proverbs — short, memorable sayings expressing wisdom
• Riddles — puzzles used for entertainment and mental development
• Legends and Myths — stories explaining natural phenomena or ancestral origins
• Epics — long narrative poems recounting heroic adventures
• Songs and Oral Poems — lyrical expressions for ceremonies and daily life

Characteristics of Oral Tradition

According to the oral tradition theory, pre-colonial African literature exhibits distinct characteristics:

• Additive Style — ideas are added sequentially rather than subordinated
• Formulaic Expressions — repeated phrases help with memory (e.g., "once upon a time," "long ago")
• Repetition — key phrases and events repeat for emphasis and memorability
• Flexibility and Variation — stories change with each retelling based on context
• Mnemonic Devices — rhythm, rhyme, and melody aid memory
• Dynamic Nature — literature evolves with community needs
• Community Context — literature is performed for and shaped by the audience

Example: Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart (1958) exemplifies how pre-colonial African literature features are incorporated into modern written texts. The novel portrays Igbo society before colonial intervention and demonstrates several pre-colonial African literary features:

1. Use of Proverbs Achebe integrates traditional Igbo proverbs throughout the narrative. For instance, "Among the Ibo the art of conversation is regarded very highly, and proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten" illustrates how proverb use reflects authentic African oral tradition.

2. Folktales and Storytelling The story of the tortoise and the birds demonstrates the folktale tradition, where animals embody human traits and teach moral lessons through entertaining narratives.

3. Oral Formulaic Expressions Phrases like "Ogwu afa" (the medicine of divination) and traditional Igbo greetings reflect the formulaic language of oral performance.

4. Community Performance The depiction of the "Week of Peace" and communal gatherings shows literature as a social event rather than individual reading.

5. Traditional Beliefs and Myths The worship of Chi and the Oracle demonstrates how myths and spiritual beliefs shaped pre-colonial African life.

When exploring features of pre-colonial African literature in a selected work, consider these steps:

1. Identify oral materials — Look for proverbs, riddles, folktales, songs, or legends within the text
2. Examine narrative structure — Note the use of repetition, formulaic phrases, and additive storytelling
3. Analyse character types — Traditional heroes often possess superhuman qualities or represent communal values
4. Consider the setting — Pre-colonial African settings typically reflect authentic African geographical and social environments
5. Evaluate themes — Common themes include community harmony, respect for elders, spiritual beliefs, and moral education
6. Assess the writer's perspective — Determine whether the text celebrates or criticises pre-colonial African society

In Tanzania, understanding pre-colonial African literature helps preserve cultural heritage. For example, when interviewing elders in your community about traditional stories or proverbs, you can document these oral narratives using recording devices, preserving Swahili or local ethnic languages for future generations. This skill connects to careers in cultural preservation, education, and media, where researchers at institutions like the National Museum collect and archive oral histories from regions such as Kilimanjaro or the Coastal areas.