Oral Literature as a Tool for Conflict Resolution

Abstract

Oral literature is that literature that is composed and transmitted orally in face to face contact for cultural continuity, education, edification and unification. It is an essential property of non-literate community. Story telling is one of the ways through which this transmission is carried through. During this period, the ideals cherished by members of the community are interwoven into the stories. Those things that make for the unity of the community are also emphasized. The stories about their heroes and the selfless deeds of these heroes in the society are told for members of the society to emulate. These stories are sources of pride to the members of the society. It gives them collective solidarity and unity of actions. The study of oral literature as a field of learning coincided with nationalistic struggle and cultural revival in countries of Europe in the 19th century. These countries used oral literatures as a tool for conflict resolution and a means of achieving national unity. In like manner Igbo people should endeavour to channel lessons of oral literature towards resolution of conflicts amongst all sections of Igbo land. The same is true for Nigeria, which is made up of numerous divergent ethnic groups. Oral literature should be used as a means of achieving national unity by weaving into the fabrics of the stories those ideals that make for national unity. In this study the author examines ways oral literature can be used as a tool for conflict resolution.