Abstract

Oral literature is that literature that is composed and transmitted orally in face to face contact for cultural continuity, education, edification and unification. It is an essential property of non-literate community. Story telling is one of the ways through which this transmission is carried through. During this period, the ideals cherished by members of the community are interwoven into the stories. Those things that make for the unity of the community are also emphasized. The stories about their heroes and the selfless deeds of these heroes in the society are told for members of the society to emulate. These stories are sources of pride to the members of the society. It gives them collective solidarity and unity of actions. The study of oral literature as a field of learning coincided with nationalistic struggle and cultural revival in countries of Europe in the 19th century. These countries used oral literatures as a tool for conflict resolution and a means of achieving national unity. In like manner Igbo people should endeavour to channel lessons of oral literature towards resolution of conflicts amongst all sections of Igbo land. The same is true for Nigeria, which is made up of numerous divergent ethnic groups. Oral literature should be used as a means of achieving national unity by weaving into the fabrics of the stories those ideals that make for national unity. In this study the author examines ways oral literature can be used as a tool for conflict resolution.

Highlights

  • Literature whether oral or written is all about life

  • From Dorson (1963:18) many countries of Europe resorted to oral literature of their people as a means of achieving their national unity and as a weapon for their conflict resolution amongst various sections of its people

  • In Nigerian, during the colonial period, oral literature provided an avenue for the unity of the country

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Summary

Introduction

Literature whether oral or written is all about life. It deals with lives of men and women of various ages in various societies. Dorson, (1978:118) shows that many peoples of Europe used oral literature to achieve the unity of their country. Since oral literature throughout the world perform the same functions to the community that owns it, it follows that what causes grief to man in one part of the world will cause grief to those in other parts of the world.

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