ABSTRACT
The research tittled, “AFunctional Analysis of Moroa
Folktales”provides insights into the status and nature of African
traditional oral art as a literary form for aesthetic and educational
purposes. The study revolves around the collection, analysis and the
functional analysis of folktales among the Moroa in Kaduna
state.Attention is paid to language, culture, literature and their
importance as markers of Moroa identity and self-perpetuation.Using the
functionalist paradigm, the work focuses on the nature, form and
functions of Moroa folktales, emphasizing their relationship with the
society. For the appreciation of the values of folktales among the
Moroa, the work also analyse the thematic dimensions of the stories. As
an aspect of contemporary cultural studies and in the light of
contemporary academic interest in orality and literacy, the work also
examines the relationship between folktales in Moroa and the intricate
matrix of modernization. The dissertation is divided into five chapters.
Chapter one serves as the introduction and it concludes discussions in
the general and conceptual background to the work, the theoretical
framework adopted and a review of related literature. Chapter two
provides a description of the form and function of Moroa folktales.
Chapter three considers the Perfomer and audiences, time and setting,
and how modernization has affected folktelling among the Moroa. .
Chapter five is the conclusion which summaries the work.
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
Over time, human beings have used different medium in educating,
entertaining and communicating with space and time. This they have done
through wood and stone, parchment and paper, fire and smoke, folktales
and songs, riddles and dance. As new media was created, the old ones
have become relegated to the background, even though not completely
abandon.Folklore still remains an important medium in the society.
Although it is not given much attention, it has contributed in the
shaping and instilling of morals. Folklore consists of a variety of
forms. The forms include folk theatre, puppetry, folktales, dance,
riddles and songs. They have served as vehicles of education and
entertainment. “Encyclopedia of Social Sciences” (2004) defines folklore
as a metacultural category”… and as a body of expressive culture
including tales, music, dance, legend, oral history, proverbs and
superstitions, common to a particular population that comprise the
tradition of that culture, subculture or group….” Ranganath (1975)
asserts that folklore are “living expressions of the lifestyle and
culture of a people, evolved through the years… reiterate the origin and
nurturing of the folk channels in, and by the richness of the
indigenous culture”.
This dissertation therefore, attempts a functional analysis of Moroa
folktales. The function of Moroa folktales and the role they play in the
society are to inculcate morals, entertain and educate. This research
will consider a general background on Moroa thus, the form function and
aesthetic value comprising songs and riddles which add flavor will be
considered in addition to and how it helps in bringing out the art and
beauty of Moroa folktales.