This paper examines the intricate characteristics of Lumasaba (a language spoken in eastern Uganda) riddles and proverbs. It argues that these literary trajectories are poetically related. Through these oral literature forms, the ideologies of the Bamasaba people are enhanced. By studying these verbal esoteric aphorisms, the riddles, which have been relegated as children's playthings are given literary significance. Even the seemingly nosensical sound riddles project important messages to the reader, therefore worth of literary inquiry.
The collection and interpretation of oral literature forms from predominantly orate societies is testimony to the notion that the libraries of society are fast passing away, and it is incumbent upon the young generation to document these verbal forms for posterity. In the discourse, an exegesis of the riddles and proverbs have been made to categorise them basing on literary features such as rhyme and rhythm, the symbolic elements, alliterations, metaphors, similies, onomatopoeiac expressions, parallelism, repetition, and rhetorical questions among other literary forms of expression.
This interconnectedness points to the fluidity of oral texts to an extent that no single context is sufficient to explain their meanings. Sound riddles present a fascinating interpretation of the Bamasaba cosmology. They show that even untranslatable or nonsensical words give an insight into understanding the surrounding environment of the Bamasaba. Themes of life, ecological relationships and rain are pertinent aspects of Bamasaba’s world contained in riddles.
It is established that language permeates the epicenter of riddles and proverbs. Of the literary features that imbue them, symbolism stands out as the most important feature. What is peculiar about Lumasaba riddles and proverbs is that regardless of the categorization or structure, they possess a variety of meanings that bring out core ideologies of the Bamasaba.
The classification of proverbs into literal, symbolic and philosophical categories enables us to decipher the riddle in the proverb; we look for what it signifies. Harlod Garfinkel's theory of ethnomethodology has been applied to make sense of Lumasaba riddles especially the tenet of the centrality of langauge that communicates the world views and the philosophy of life of the people. Riddles are conduits of Lumasaba cultural values intended to socialize children and adults alike into useful citizens of the community.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Riddling Context amongst the Bamasaba
- Structure and Categories of the Lumasaba Riddles
- Classification and Structure of Lumasaba Proverbs
- Context of Proverbial Usage
- Allusions and Analogies
- Similes, Metaphors, Symbolism
- Parallelism, Repetition, and Rhetorical Questions
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work examines the structure and context of Lumasaba riddles and proverbs, exploring their relationship to Bamasaba culture and ideology. The author analyzes these forms of traditional wisdom through an ethnomethodological lens, focusing on the centrality of language in understanding social life.
- The role of riddles and proverbs in preserving and transmitting cultural values and beliefs.
- The structure and categorization of Lumasaba riddles and proverbs.
- The relationship between these oral forms and the social and economic realities of the Bamasaba people.
- The use of language and literary devices in constructing meaning in riddles and proverbs.
- The ideological underpinnings of these forms of traditional wisdom.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the focus of the study, outlining the importance of riddles and proverbs in preserving and transmitting cultural knowledge. It discusses the ideologies embedded within these forms of traditional wisdom and provides a framework for analyzing their structure and context.
- Riddling Context amongst the Bamasaba: This chapter explores the context of riddling sessions among the Bamasaba people, highlighting the significance of these events in fostering social interaction, transmitting values, and reflecting the community's beliefs. The chapter examines the social dynamics of riddling, the ideological messages conveyed, and the symbolic significance of the games and rewards involved.
- Structure and Categories of the Lumasaba Riddles: This chapter analyzes the structure and categories of Lumasaba riddles. It examines the use of questions, rhetorical devices, onomatopoeia, and other literary techniques in constructing riddles that reflect the cultural milieu of the Bamasaba society. The chapter also explores the function of riddles as mnemonics, preserving knowledge of the surrounding environment and social practices.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This work examines the Lumasaba riddles and proverbs, exploring their structure, context, and ideological significance. It delves into themes of cultural transmission, social interaction, language, and the relationship between oral forms and cultural practices. Important concepts include ethnomethodology, ideology, analogy, metaphor, onomatopoeia, and mnemonic devices.
- Quote paper
- Arnold Wangwe (Author), 2019, Lumasaba Riddles and Proverbs. Characteristics, Ideology, and Classification, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/504511
