THE PLACE OF ORAL TRADITION IN SELECTED IGBO LITREARY TEXTS

Abstract

This study examined the place of oral literature in the selected Igbo novels. Igbo oral literature and Igbo written literature are the literature of Igbo people. Oral literature is transmitted orally through the word of mouth, while written literature is written down in books. Many people failed to realize that oral literature provides a source of materials, to the writers of written literature. They do not know that modern literary writers draw their inspiration from oral literature. The proverbs, folktales, riddles etcetera which the literary writers use to beautify their works, are from oral literature. This is a survey research. The theory adopted was readers- response theory. In this study, three texts were analyzed to showcase the place of oral literature in the selected Igbo novels. The novels include; Ụwa Ntọọọ (2001) by Onyekaonwu, Mkpokpta Oru Nka Onyekaonwu (2014), Anụ Gbaa Ajọ Ọsọ (2001) by Ofomata and Aka Ekpuchi Eziokwu (2010) by Okafo. This study revealed the examples of oral traditions in selected Igbo literary texts such as use of figurative language, the traditional ways of storytelling, Belief and Culture of Igbo People, the use of songs and retributive justice. All these are the product of oral traditions. It was concluded that modern writers have succeeded in using oral literature in their literary works, to discuss about many issues in the contemporary society and it is a way of preserving Igbo culture and traditions.