Answer to Question #271033 in History for Constance Dineo Ma

Question

Explain the significance of oral tradition in the study of African History.

Answer 1

Africa has an extensive heritage of oral storytelling that dates back thousands of years. Consequently, oral tradition and performance were the primary means of transmitting knowledge, history, and experience in West Africa rather than via written texts or documents. Individuals' social and personal morality is guided by oral traditions, which give them a feeling of peace and purpose. Another essential aspect of oral tradition is that it is utilized to identify the chronological order of historical events. This serves to dispel any questions that may have been in the minds of people about the history of African. The oral tradition of Africa encompasses both the content that is said and the oral art, as well as the context in which it is spoken. Oral tradition, while being thousands of years old, is still alive and vital for many Africans. Oral tradition has been altered by performers and listeners, who have added new material and made use of new communication technologies.