Oral Literature of the Asians in East Africa

A further new title in this series on East African oral literature, considering East African-Indian genres of oral literature and cultures, which developed as people from India/Asia migrated to East Africa. The authors discuss how these literatures have been a source of creativity and renewal; and how they give expression to the values, perceptions and aspirations of cultures. The book is organised into sections on the socio-cultural background and historical origins of the literatures; patterns of migration and settlement in East Africa; styles in Indian literature as preserved in East Africa, common symbols, images and figures of speech; the role of the artist in literary production; and performance of oral literature. The authors further provide and discuss narratives from many genres: e.g. myths, legends, animal tales, moral stories; tales of wisdom and wit; riddles, proverbs and songs. Many passages appear in the original languages, transcribed from primary sources - in particular Gujerati; also Sindhi, Punjabi, Cutchi, Hindi, Kondani - as well as in English translation.

Product details

• Authors: Mubina Hassanali Kirmani
• Assisted by: John W. Forje (Editor)
• Publisher: East African Educ. Publ.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.01.2005
• EAN: 9789966250858
• ISBN: 978-9966-25-085-8
• No. of pages: 140
• Dimensions: 140 mm x 216 mm x 8 mm
• Weight: 186 g
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > General and comparative literary studies; Social sciences, law, business > Social sciences (general)