09/04/2025 10:
04 AM
ALT 102
INTRODUCTION TO EAST AFRICAN ORAL
LITERATURE
DR. J. OJIAMBO
MAIN FUNCTIONS OF ORAL
LIT
Entertainment
Awareness
Socialisation
Practical Language Skills
Aesthetic Satisfaction
As a Mirror of Society
09/04/2025 10:04 AM DR. J. OJIAMBO
ENTERTAINMENT
◦Oral literature helps people to
relax and unwind.
◦It is a useful means of
educating and informing
people
09/04/2025 10:04 AM DR. J. OJIAMBO
AWARENESS
◦Oral literature makes us aware of
ourselves, others, our
environment and our history. Oral
literature gives us insight into
people, things and events.
09/04/2025 10:04 AM DR. J. OJIAMBO
Socialisation
◦Oral literature makes us good
members of society.
◦It teaches us social values
◦Sharing through singing together,
telling stories etc
09/04/2025 10:04 AM DR. J. OJIAMBO
The Practical Language Skills
◦Taking part in oral lit encourages us
to improve our skill in speaking,
reciting and singing.
◦It helps to develop memory and the
ability to think fast.
09/04/2025 10:04 AM DR. J. OJIAMBO
FEATURES OF ORAL
LITERATURE
Orality
Common Authorship
Audience Participation
Language
09/04/2025 10:04 AM DR. J. OJIAMBO
ORAL LITERATURE TODAY
For Oral Literature to have a meaningful place in the
modern world, we must regard oral literature as :
I. An art that is of direct relevance to our lives here
and now
II. A Phenomenon that is common to all human beings
wherever they live
III. A healthy and fertile foundation for a new and
progressive culture
09/04/2025 10:04 AM DR. J. OJIAMBO
09/04/2025 10:
04 AM
WHAT CHALLENGES FACE ORAL
LITERATURE TODAY?
DR. J. OJIAMBO
African Oral Literature and Its
Challenges
◦Availability of modern forms of entertainment
◦Literacy and modern education
◦The Advent of Christianity
◦Urbanization
◦Modern Economy
◦ Changing Attitudes and Value Systems
◦ The Incursion of Computer and Internet
09/04/2025 10:04 AM DR. J. OJIAMBO
How can we
ensure oral
literature
does not die
?
09/04/2025 10:04 AM DR. J. OJIAMBO
NOTICES
◦Take time to interact with others on the LMS
platform through the discussion questions.
◦Inform those not able to attend class to always
visit the LMS platform for updates and notices
◦Form 20 groups for group work ensure you are
in a group and participate in the group. Do not
be a joyrider.
09/04/2025 10:04 AM DR. J. OJIAMBO