Orature and Yoruba Riddles

by A. Akinyeme

Overview

Orature and Yorùbá Riddles takes readers into the hitherto unexplored undercurrents of riddles in Africa. Because of its oral and all too often ephemeral nature, riddles have escaped close scrutiny from scholars. The strength of the Yorùbá as the focus of this study is impressive indeed: a major ethnic group in Africa, with established connections with the black diaspora in North America and the Caribean; a rich oral and written culture; a large and diverse population; and an integrated rural-urban society. The book is divided into six chapters for readers' convenience. When read in sequence, the book provides a comprehensive, holistic sense of Yorùbá creativity where riddles are concerned. At the same time, the book is conceived in a way that each chapter could be read individually. Therefore, those readers seeking understanding of a specific type of riddle may target a single chapter appearing most relevant to her/his curiosity.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781137502629
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan US
Publication date:	04/24/2015
Edition description:	2015
Pages:	261
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 8.60(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Akintunde Akinyeme is Associate Professor in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, at the University of Florida, USA.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1. Yoruba Riddles in Performance: Content and Context 2. Riddles and Metaphors: The Creation of Meaning 3. The Dynamics of Tale-Riddling 4. The Variability and Function of Song-riddle 5. Current Trends in the Use of Enigmatic Forms 6. Orature and Indigenous Education