Type of literature

Oral Literature

Oral literature is passed down through word of mouth and has several genres:

Narratives

1. Epic: Long, narrative tales of a hero's life, e.g., Sundiata (Mali), Shaka (Zulu).
2. Myth: Symbolic, often religious tales from the past, e.g., the myth of Dedan Kimathi.
3. Legend: Historical figures whose deeds have become legendary, e.g., Mugasha (Haya).
4. Fable: Short stories featuring animals with moral lessons, e.g., Kalulu the Hare.
5. Anecdote: Brief, amusing stories about real or fictional incidents.

Sung and Recited Forms (Oral Poetry)

1. Lullaby: Songs sung to soothe babies.
2. Dirge: Lamenting songs for the dead.
3. Chant: Religious or ritualistic songs.
4. Cradle Song: Songs sung during childbirth.

Sayings

• Proverb: Short, wise sayings, e.g., "He who laughs last laughs longest."
• Riddle: Puzzles or questions, e.g., "I am tall when I am young and I am short when I am old." (Answer: A candle).
• Idiom: Expressions whose meanings are not literal, e.g., "Hit the nail on the head."
• Tongue-Twisters: Phrases that are difficult to pronounce, e.g., "She sells seashells by the seashore."

Written Literature

This form of literature includes written works that emerged after the invention of writing. It includes:

Fiction

Imaginative works in prose form, including:

1. Novels: Longer narratives, e.g., A Man of the People by Chinua Achebe.
2. Short Stories: Shorter prose narratives, e.g., Meeting in the Dark by Ngugi wa Thiong'o.
3. Novellas: Shorter than novels but more detailed than short stories, e.g., Mabala the Farmer by Mabala.

Drama

Works intended for performance, with dialogue and actions:

1. Tragedy: Serious plays with suffering, e.g., Betrayal in the City by Francis Imbuga.
2. Comedy: Humorous plays, e.g., Lwanda Magere.
3. Melodrama: Plays with exaggerated emotions, often dramatic.

Poetry

Literary works focusing on rhythm, symbolism, and concise language:

1. Traditional Poems: Structured, often with rhyme, such as sonnets, haikus, and ballads.
2. Modern Poems: Free verse, not bound by traditional rules of rhyme and rhythm.

Non-Fiction

Literature dealing with real-life subjects:

• Autobiography: Life stories written by the subject, e.g., The African Child by Camara Laye.
• Biography: Life stories written by others, e.g., Nyerere of Tanzania by William Edgett Smith.
• Essays: Short pieces reflecting personal views, either formal or informal.
• Articles: Factual writing found in newspapers, magazines, or online platforms.

Language in Literature

Language is a critical tool in literature, and it is often used in distinctive ways:

1. Deviations from Rules: Poetic license allows authors to break language conventions to enhance meaning.
2. Use of Archaisms: Old forms of language, e.g., "thou," used for effect.
3. Borrowing Linguistic Features: Writers often use words or structures borrowed from other languages or cultures.
4. Literary Devices: Figures of speech, such as metaphors, similes, and irony, are used to convey deeper meanings.