Oral Traditions as Philosophy: Okot p'Bitek's Legacy for African Philosophy

by Sam O. Imbo

Overview

Oral Traditions as Philosophy is a study of the Ugandan poet and cultural critic Okot p'Bitek. In his poems and critical essays, Okot engages with the oral traditions of his people—the songs, dances, funeral dirges, and so forth—seeing them as manifestations of the people's philosophy of life. Imbo's book makes explicit the philosophical questions raised in Okot's work and places them within the wider picture of contemporary African philosophy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780847697724
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	12/31/2001
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	204
Product dimensions:	6.16(w) x 9.26(h) x 0.81(d)

About the Author

Samuel Oluoch Imbo is assistant professor of philosophy at Hamline University and author of An Introduction to African Philosophy.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Visions of Africanity Chapter 2 Defining the Philosophical, the Religious, and the Spiritual Chapter 3 Oral Traditions as Texts Chapter 4 Roles for Women in African Oral Traditions Chapter 5 Western Scholarship, African Religions Chapter 6 Problems of Translating Western Concepts into African Languages Chapter 7 Authentic African Selfhood Chapter 8 Responsibilities of African Philosophers

Editorial Reviews

Samuel Imbo's book explores the philosophical significance of a remarkable African man-of-letters. Okot p'Bitek was a pioneer in the debate about 'the invention of Africa,' in the discourse about the alleged 'Christianization' of African indigenous religions, in the choice of an African language by a Westernized African writer as a literary medium, and in giving voice to 'negritude' in a non-European language at long last. P'Bitek also remains as the only male African writer whose most famous work is about a woman's perspective on the gender-divide. Samuel Oluoch Imbo takes us to those philosophical and social areas—and beyond.

Ali A. Mazrui