Literature

The African Oral Tradition (see box below: African Orature) is one of narration, poetry, proverbs, jokes and riddles. Most of Fulani literature is and remains oral. The Griots told of the achievement of the braves. Fulanis are fond of oral poetry, saying in rims stories, riddles and proverbs. The most striking aspect of Fulani oral poetry is its rhythm. Indeed, rhythm is the most important defining characteristic of African poetry: It is its very essence. The skillful use of numerous linguistic resources in this poetry is obscured in English, which is insufficiently flexible to convey many of the verbal and aesthetic nuances of the Fulani originals. In any case, the poet is as indispensable to Fulani society as any other individual. Steward and artisan of the word,

crystallizer of the people's collective memory, eulogist of the ancestors' noble deeds and exploits, he remains the genuine promoter of cultural and social values.Source: Sow, Abdoul Aziz. Fulani Poetic Genres.(Special Issue: Oral Literature) Research in African Literatures 24.2(Summer 1993): 61(17pp). Full text available at COCC: Infotrac 2000 Expanded Academic ASAP Article A13891469.

On the other hand Fulani writers preferred to write in Arabic. However, when the European languages were introduced during the colonial period, many African authors including Fulani began writing in French, English, Spanish, or Portuguese. In 1950, Amadou Hampate published his Peul poetry in French. Cheikh Hamidou Kane wrote the much celebrated Adventure Ambigue in 1961.

Fulani Poetic Genres.

Abstract: The Fulani people of the northern Senegal River have songs which fit poetic genres. There are different songs for fishermen, weavers, warriors, hunters, cattle drivers, women griots, merchants, nomad entertainment, shepherds, lullabies, eulogies, rejoicing, mockery and special occasions. As elsewhere in Africa, literature among the Fulani is essentially oral and musical. It is lyrical, and it is by its very nature literary, as is every word that transcends the merely denotative or communicative functions of language. Sung, chanted, declaimed, recited, set to rhythm, or supported by gestural or musical accompaniment, it is magnified to the status of art - a verbal art so pure and so complete that writing, far from assuring its diffusion, merely impoverishes and

weakens it by restricting its range of expression (Seydou 178) [qtd. by Sow]. The most striking aspect of Fulani oral poetry is its rhythm. Indeed, rhythm is the most important defining characteristic of African poetry: It is its very essence. The skillful use of numerous linguistic resources in this poetry is obscured in English, which is insufficiently flexible to convey many of the verbal and aesthetic nuances of the Fulani originals. In any case, the poet is as indispensable to Fulani society as any other individual. Steward and artisan of the word, crystallizer of the people's collective memory, eulogist of the ancestors' noble deeds and exploits, he remains the genuine promoter of cultural and social values.By: Sow, Abdoul Aziz. Fulani Poetic Genres. Research in African Literatures 24.2 (Summer 1993): 61 (17 pp). Rpt. Infotrac 2000 Expanded Academic ASAP: Article A13891469. For more information about Fulani Litterature click here

 African Orature

African ORATURE Ancient writing traditions exist on the African continent, as shown earlier in this timeline, but most Africans are primarily oral peoples, and their art forms primarily oral rather than literary.. In contrast to written "literature," African "orature" is orally composed and transmitted, and often created to be verbally and communally performed as integral part of dance and music. Oral arts and traditions of Africa are rich and varied, developing with the beginnings of African cultures, and continuing to flourish today.Power of the World: In traditional African cosmologies, the spoken/performed word animating the creative process, is considered to have special powers to evoke spiritual and communal forces and ferment inner life. African oral arts often combine religious, artistic as well as social functions: e.g., to convey wisdom, teach ethics and social codes of conduct; teach religious beliefs and communal values, celebrate cultural heroes and revered ancestors, & explain the origins, history, and development of states, clans, and other important social organizations. Mutere calls African oral arts art for life sake.Dr. Mutere's African Culture and Aesthetics.