FORMS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF ORAL NARRATIVES

Abstract

This paper employs the qualitative method of study to examine orature in relation to oral narratives, and its specific objectives are directed towards conceptualizing orature; identifying its forms; locating oral narratives and discussing myths, legends, folktales, fables, proverbs, and riddles as oral narratives. The study also investigates the socioeconomic, educational, cultural, and communal values of oral narratives within the Nigerian context. Thus the research concludes that orature, asides recording cultural matters, functions as a tool of entertainment, education and cultural cohesion.