A Comparative Analysis of the Influence of Folklore on the Works Of
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A Comparative Analysis of the influence of Folklore on the works of the following African writers: Chinua Achebe, Es’kia Mphahlele, Ngũgĩ wa Thiongʹo and Andrew Nkadimeng. An Afrocentric approach. By Mapula Rosina Khunwane Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in African Studies in the Centre for African Studies at the University of Venda Promoter: Prof. M.A. Makgopa Submitted on: 10 May 2018 INFLUENCE OF FOLKLORE ON WORKS OF AFRICAN WRITERS 2 Declaration I, Mapula Rosina Khunwane, hereby declare that this thesis for a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in African Studies at the University of Venda, has not been submitted previously for a degree at this or any other university, that it is my own work in design and in execution, and that all reference material contained herein has been duly acknowledged. Signature……………………………………………………. Date ………………………… INFLUENCE OF FOLKLORE ON WORKS OF AFRICAN WRITERS 3 Abstract African authors play a significant role in passing on African folklore. Their writing is often influenced by their lived experiences and the social context embedded within folklore. Folklore houses the cultural beliefs, customs and traditions of a society and is passed on from one generation to the next through oral and written literature. Many African authors’ works instil an appreciation of people’s African identity, customs and beliefs. The aim of this study was to explore the extent to which folklore had influenced the writings of four selected African authors: Chinua Achebe, a renowned author from Nigeria, Ngũgĩ wa Thiongʹo from Kenya, Es’kia Mphahlele and Andrew Nkadimeng, both from South Africa. These African authors, who chose to write their stories in English rather than in their African language, were influenced by the folklore they were exposed to in their upbringing. The objective of the study was to identify various aspects of folklore and demonstrate how folklore had remained entrenched in the writings of these African authors, despite the fact that they were telling their stories in the English language. The research was qualitative in nature and a hermeneutic research method was used to describe and interpret the meaning of texts as used by the authors and to explore the influence of folklore in the text. The study will be a useful resource for teachers in the Further Education and Training (FET) band in schools (grade 10 to 12) which includes folklore studies as part of its syllabus. Currently, folklore is studied in schools only in terms of Oral Literature. However, Oral Literature is just one aspect of folklore, as is discussed in this study. The study will also contribute towards efforts to re-establish Africans’ dignity and identity. INFLUENCE OF FOLKLORE ON WORKS OF AFRICAN WRITERS 4 Dedication This study is dedicated to my late mother, Pulane Maria Khunwane, who passed away in 1989 during the last year of my undergraduate degree. She was my support system in my early years of studying, and when I started my junior degree, I promised her I would study even harder to be able to put on the red gown. I am dedicating this to her as I have fulfilled the promise that I made in 1988, to have the red gown. Here is the red gown, Ma. “Robala ka khutšo, Mokgalaka!” INFLUENCE OF FOLKLORE ON WORKS OF AFRICAN WRITERS 5 Acknowledgements The first wisdom is to fear the Lord, the creator of the universe. He has given me the courage to venture into the unknown, and has accompanied me throughout my journey. My sincere gratitude to Him who has made it possible for me to complete the race. May His name be glorified now and forever! My appreciation goes to my promoter, Prof. M. A. Makgopa for your ongoing support and for giving me the courage to complete this study. Even in the midst of your many responsibilities as Dean of the Faculty, you still managed to reserve time for me. Not forgetting your family who was so welcoming when I invaded their home in need of support and guidance from my promoter. Ke a leboga, Noko! I wish to extend my thanks to the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) – South African Humanities Deans Association (SAHUDA) for providing financial support during my academic journey. Thanks also to the Northern Corridor Doctoral School, under the mentorship of Prof. M. Moila, for supporting me in becoming a doctoral graduate. To my colleague, Dr N. M. Seroto, my manager, Dr T. Mbhalati, and my teacher colleague, Dr L. M. Selepe, thank you so much for enabling me to persevere in my educational journey; I could not have done it without you. My sincere gratitude to all the people who allowed me to take pictures to add visual interest to my report, and to all those who guided me through unfamiliar cultural practices, ke re le ka moso! Lastly, to my family – my three sons, two daughters-in-law and three grandchildren – thank you so much for understanding when I could not be there for you. To my daughter, Mamakiri, I really appreciate your assistance in completing this thesis, especially the methodology chapter, you were really helpful and hands on. Thank you very much. INFLUENCE OF FOLKLORE ON WORKS OF AFRICAN WRITERS 6 Table of Contents Declaration............................................................................................................................ 2 Abstract ................................................................................................................................ 3 Dedication ............................................................................................................................. 4 Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................... 5 Table of Figures .................................................................................................................. 11 List of Acronyms ................................................................................................................ 13 Chapter 1: Introduction ....................................................................................................... 14 Background to the Problem ............................................................................................. 14 Problem Statement .......................................................................................................... 17 Study Objectives ............................................................................................................. 18 Research Questions ......................................................................................................... 18 Significance of the Study ................................................................................................. 19 Operational Terms ........................................................................................................... 21 Folklore. ...................................................................................................................... 21 Oral literature. ............................................................................................................. 22 Textuality. ................................................................................................................... 22 Afrikan humanism. ...................................................................................................... 22 African philosophy. ..................................................................................................... 23 Self-identity. ................................................................................................................ 24 Indigenous knowledge. ................................................................................................ 24 INFLUENCE OF FOLKLORE ON WORKS OF AFRICAN WRITERS 7 Afrocentric approach. .................................................................................................. 24 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................... 25 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................. 26 Orality and Textuality ..................................................................................................... 26 Folklore ........................................................................................................................... 27 Afrikan Humanism .......................................................................................................... 28 Self-Identity .................................................................................................................... 32 Social Customs ................................................................................................................ 34 Circumcision. .................................................................................................................. 34 Marriage. ..................................................................................................................... 35 Mophaso. .................................................................................................................... 38 Occupational Folklore ..................................................................................................... 42 Farming. ...................................................................................................................... 42 Performing Art ...............................................................................................................