AFRICAN LITERATURE

African literature can be broadly categorized into two major types: oral literature and written literature. African literature has existed for more than 1,000 years and has traditionally been used as a medium for the transmission of information, values, moral lessons, and the preservation of culture.

In most cases, African literature employs traditional languages and expressions that are suitable and familiar to the people. This makes it easier to pass information from one generation to another, preserve cultural heritage, and promote positive behaviours and values.

African literature can also be discussed through three major historical eras: the pre-colonial era, the colonial era, and the nationalist/independence era.

KINDS OF AFRICAN LITERATURE

1. Folktales

Folktales were used by Africans to portray particular moral lessons, provide entertainment, and educate members of the community.

They often employ animal characters to portray human behaviours and characteristics, making the stories easier to understand and more entertaining. Folktales also make use of emotional appeal to promote effective communication and encourage people to learn from the experiences presented in the stories.

2. Myths

Myths were used by Africans to explain their culture, traditions, beliefs, and the world around them. They usually involve supernatural beings or events, with the main purpose of explaining things that may not be easily understood through ordinary human experience.

Myths were used to explain major concepts surrounding death, natural phenomena, the origin of the world, and religious practices. They also helped to preserve the beliefs and worldview of different African communities.

3. Legends

Legends were used to preserve the memories of important people and significant events.

They are stories about people who made a significant impact on their communities or the world around them. These people were often kings, queens, heroes, warriors, or ancestors. Their stories were passed down from one generation to another in order to preserve their memories and teach younger generations about their contributions and values.

4. Proverbs

Proverbs were frequently used in everyday communication. They were commonly employed by elders, community members, parents, and chiefs when settling disputes, giving advice, teaching young people, and communicating wisdom.

Proverbs also served as a way of transmitting the values, beliefs, and experiences of older generations to younger generations.

5. Songs

Songs were an important part of African community life. They were used during work, celebrations, ceremonies, religious activities, funerals, warfare, marriage, and childbirth.

Different situations had different types of songs, and each song served a particular social, cultural, emotional, or religious purpose. Songs were also used to pass information, express emotions, preserve history, and bring members of the community together.

WRITING STYLES USED IN AFRICAN LITERATURE

1. Use of Proverbs and Idioms

Proverbs are short statements that communicate wisdom, advice, or moral lessons, while idioms are expressions whose meanings cannot always be understood literally.

Proverbs and idioms communicate cultural values and are important tools for preserving cultural heritage. They are often used by traditional leaders, elders, parents, and community members to settle disputes, give advice, teach younger people, and communicate important lessons.

2. Symbolism

Symbolism involves the use of objects, people, animals, places, or events to represent deeper meanings.

African writers use symbolism to communicate ideas that may go beyond the literal meaning of what is being described. It can be used to represent issues such as culture, identity, freedom, oppression, death, tradition, or change.

3. Folklore and Myth

African literature often incorporates traditional myths, legends, supernatural beliefs, spirits, gods, and ancestral stories.

Writers may make use of both animal and human characters to pass information, educate members of society, preserve culture, and communicate traditional beliefs and values.

4. Realism

Realism presents life and society in a way that reflects ordinary people's actual experiences.

Realism was used as a tool to equip individuals with knowledge about life, real-life experiences, and the challenges they may face. Through these stories, individuals are exposed to moral values and lessons that can guide them throughout life.

It also allows writers to address real social problems and the experiences of ordinary people within their communities.

5. Magical Realism and the Supernatural

Some African writers combine ordinary everyday life with supernatural or extraordinary events, without treating the supernatural as completely separate from reality.

This style allows writers to represent African spiritual beliefs and the coexistence of the physical and spiritual worlds. It also reflects the belief systems and traditional understanding of many African societies, where the spiritual and physical worlds may be closely connected.

Name: Ejiofor Nnayerem Victor 
Matric number: 24/212DCU/102
Department: Development and Strategic Communication 
Course code: DCS 212