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Oral Literature in Africa
xviii 558p paperback, canary yellow cover with photograph, very good condition, light wear to cover surfaces and spine, binding firm, pages clean and bright, very good copy, this copy published in the year 1970 in the series entitled Oxford Library of African Literature.
- GenresAfricaNonfictionHistory
578 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1970
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202 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 16, 2013
Very detailed and informative introduction to oral literature in Africa. Finnegan discusses poetry, folktales, even drum poetry. The work is a bit dated now, but no less intriguing.
September 18, 2025
An Essential Masterpiece for African Literature Enthusiasts
Ruth Finnegan’s Oral Literature in Africa is an outstanding and meticulously researched work that opens a window into the rich oral traditions of the African continent. What sets this book apart is the depth of its scholarship and the way it gives voice to traditions that have often been undervalued in literary circles. The detailed analysis of poetry, storytelling, drama, and even drum language reveals the intellectual complexity and artistic mastery of oral cultures. Fieldwork among the Limba of Sierra Leone provides authentic insights grounded in lived experience. The revised edition, with updated references and a new introduction, ensures modern readers and students have access to this foundational text. It’s not just a book it’s a preservation of cultural heritage. Highly recommended for scholars, educators, and anyone interested in African history, language, or literature.
Ruth Finnegan’s Oral Literature in Africa is an outstanding and meticulously researched work that opens a window into the rich oral traditions of the African continent. What sets this book apart is the depth of its scholarship and the way it gives voice to traditions that have often been undervalued in literary circles. The detailed analysis of poetry, storytelling, drama, and even drum language reveals the intellectual complexity and artistic mastery of oral cultures. Fieldwork among the Limba of Sierra Leone provides authentic insights grounded in lived experience. The revised edition, with updated references and a new introduction, ensures modern readers and students have access to this foundational text. It’s not just a book it’s a preservation of cultural heritage. Highly recommended for scholars, educators, and anyone interested in African history, language, or literature.
September 18, 2025
A Rich and Inspiring Study of Africa’s Oral Heritage
This work offers an immersive and respectful journey into the heart of African oral traditions. From storytelling and proverbs to the unique "drum language" and ceremonial performances, it captures the vibrancy and complexity of oral expression across the continent. The book is structured in a way that makes it valuable both for academic study and for general readers with an interest in culture and history. The supplementary materials, including original field recordings, give it an added layer of authenticity. It's refreshing to see oral traditions treated with the depth and seriousness they deserve. A powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating indigenous knowledge systems.
This work offers an immersive and respectful journey into the heart of African oral traditions. From storytelling and proverbs to the unique "drum language" and ceremonial performances, it captures the vibrancy and complexity of oral expression across the continent. The book is structured in a way that makes it valuable both for academic study and for general readers with an interest in culture and history. The supplementary materials, including original field recordings, give it an added layer of authenticity. It's refreshing to see oral traditions treated with the depth and seriousness they deserve. A powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating indigenous knowledge systems.
September 18, 2025
An Academic Treasure and Cultural Landmark
This is a timeless classic that deserves a place on the shelf of anyone studying literature, anthropology, or African studies. It goes far beyond basic documentation to explore the structures, meanings, and social roles of oral narratives in various African communities. The detailed breakdowns of poetic forms, performances, and communicative techniques are especially enlightening. What stands out is how accessible the writing is, even while handling complex topics. This revised version breathes new life into the original work, maintaining its depth while making it suitable for contemporary readers. The addition of real audio recordings further enhances the experience. A must-read for preserving and understanding Africa’s oral heritage.
This is a timeless classic that deserves a place on the shelf of anyone studying literature, anthropology, or African studies. It goes far beyond basic documentation to explore the structures, meanings, and social roles of oral narratives in various African communities. The detailed breakdowns of poetic forms, performances, and communicative techniques are especially enlightening. What stands out is how accessible the writing is, even while handling complex topics. This revised version breathes new life into the original work, maintaining its depth while making it suitable for contemporary readers. The addition of real audio recordings further enhances the experience. A must-read for preserving and understanding Africa’s oral heritage.
September 18, 2025
A Groundbreaking and Timeless Contribution to African Studies
This book remains one of the most influential texts in the field of African oral traditions. The ability to weave together linguistic analysis, historical context, and ethnographic detail results in a work that is both academically rigorous and engaging to read. What is most compelling is the respectful and insightful approach to African cultures these oral traditions are presented not just as remnants of the past, but as powerful literary forms in their own right. The updated edition adds immense value with an expanded bibliography and access to original audio recordings, making it a treasure trove for researchers and students. A truly enriching experience for anyone exploring the depth of African storytelling.
This book remains one of the most influential texts in the field of African oral traditions. The ability to weave together linguistic analysis, historical context, and ethnographic detail results in a work that is both academically rigorous and engaging to read. What is most compelling is the respectful and insightful approach to African cultures these oral traditions are presented not just as remnants of the past, but as powerful literary forms in their own right. The updated edition adds immense value with an expanded bibliography and access to original audio recordings, making it a treasure trove for researchers and students. A truly enriching experience for anyone exploring the depth of African storytelling.
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September 3, 2016
Effective communication varies from culture to culture. One way of communicating language is no better than another, but we can learn a lot from each other. World Oral Literature Series Volume 1: Oral Literature by Ruth Finnegan investigates how culture, tradition, and various forms of communication have been passed down from different parts of Africa. Ruth takes us on a journey where you will learn several ways in which they express themselves - from drums, dance, songs, parables and children's rhymes to prose. Each form of communication sets the backdrop and rhythm of the language. To help further illustrate the language of communication, Ruth displays beautiful photos of where some of the stories unfold. If you are interested in getting up close and personal with Ruth’s experience, she provides an online audio resource link of original songs and stories from the Limba people, a major ethnic group in Sierra Leone.
World Oral Literature Series Volume 1: Oral Literature by Ruth Finnegan displays not only various forms of communication within the African culture, but allows you to see that there are other effective ways to communicate. Effective communication in the United States is beginning to seem like a dying art form. In today’s society, some people display their ignorance and begin to stereotype or discount other forms of oral communication when they lack understanding. In order to become effective communicators, we must each invest time and have an interest in learning how to communicate with each other. We can learn a lot from other countries and learn other ways of communicating. If you are looking for a historical viewpoint pertaining to how other cultures communicate, start your research with World Oral Literature Series Volume 1: Oral Literature by Ruth Finnegan.Oral Literature in Africa
World Oral Literature Series Volume 1: Oral Literature by Ruth Finnegan displays not only various forms of communication within the African culture, but allows you to see that there are other effective ways to communicate. Effective communication in the United States is beginning to seem like a dying art form. In today’s society, some people display their ignorance and begin to stereotype or discount other forms of oral communication when they lack understanding. In order to become effective communicators, we must each invest time and have an interest in learning how to communicate with each other. We can learn a lot from other countries and learn other ways of communicating. If you are looking for a historical viewpoint pertaining to how other cultures communicate, start your research with World Oral Literature Series Volume 1: Oral Literature by Ruth Finnegan.Oral Literature in Africa
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October 29, 2016I am an American. To be more precise and more politically correct I am African-American. For the most part this is just a phrase or term that someone else made popular and now most of us use. In truth I know very little about Africa. After reading Oral Literature in Africa by Ruth Finnegan I know a little more. I know more about the oral tradition in Native-American culture than I do African culture but that’s not a problem. There are similarities and it is fascinating to read about African and pre- European oral tradition and note where they are similar and where they are markedly different. Oral Literature in Africa is a great book with which to introduce yourself to the oral tradition in Africa. Ruth Finnegan is a good writer and has obviously spent a lot of time among the people and cultures that she writes about.
There is actually an oral tradition among African-Americans and it is very satisfying to read how such a tradition might have its roots. I enjoyed Oral Literature in Africa because I learned a lot. The information was presented in an insightful, organized, and interesting manner, with plenty of pictures and illustrations. Oral Literature in Africa is a proper scholarly work with footnotes and references but non-scholars can read and enjoy it just as much as the serious scholar. If you are interested in anthropology and the literary traditions of a variety of African tribes, you should pick up a copy of Oral Literature in Africa today. It is part of the World Oral Literature Series and because it is an Open Book publication you can read it online and download the pdf and e-book for free.
There is actually an oral tradition among African-Americans and it is very satisfying to read how such a tradition might have its roots. I enjoyed Oral Literature in Africa because I learned a lot. The information was presented in an insightful, organized, and interesting manner, with plenty of pictures and illustrations. Oral Literature in Africa is a proper scholarly work with footnotes and references but non-scholars can read and enjoy it just as much as the serious scholar. If you are interested in anthropology and the literary traditions of a variety of African tribes, you should pick up a copy of Oral Literature in Africa today. It is part of the World Oral Literature Series and because it is an Open Book publication you can read it online and download the pdf and e-book for free.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews