Presents twenty-two superlative chapters, which firmly place the study of oral literature within contemporary African existence. The book expertly analyses how oral literature relates to media, music, technology, text, gender, religion, power, politics and globalisation. Refs, 285pp, SOUTH AFRICA. NEW AFRICA EDUCATION PUBLISHING, 1919876073

What can texts - both written and oral - tell us about the societies that produce them? How are texts constituted in different cultures, and how do they shape societies and individuals? How can we understand the people who compose them? Drawing on examples from Africa and other countries, this study explores textuality from a variety of angles. Topics covered include: the importance of genre, the ways in which oral genres transcend the here-and-now, and the complex relationship between texts and the material world. 286pp, UK. CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS.

An introduction to the subject of Xhosa oral poetry. Kaschula presents rich texts and translations of Xhosa praise poetry ranging from nineteenth century examples to late twentieth century praises for Joe Slovo, F.W, De Klerk, the South African soccer squad or Nelson Mandela. Index, refs, app, xiii, 304pp, SOUTH AFRICA. JUTA PUBLISHERS, 0702152072

Two earlier volumes have been revised and put together in a single cover to meet the chal-lenges of 21st century scholarship into African performance and cultural studies. The central theme of the book is performance. With that aim in mind readers are provided with projects and exercises intended to encourage such performance. Teaching and curriculum development suggestions are also given to teachers. Materials are included from numerous languages and cultures of Africa, including Yoruba, Hausa and Nupe so that students are able to explore the richness of the cultural varieties in African oral traditions. Other topics include: the relevance of cosmology to oral performance, fieldwork practise and research methodology, archetypes and folktales. Index, bib, 256pp, USA . AFRICA WORLD PRESS.

In this synthesis of her earlier work in 'Oral Literature in Africa' with more recent research by herself and other leading scholars in the field, Ruth Finnegan calls for a more critical, comparative perspective of oral literature, performance and the verbal arts. Index, bib, 258pp, UK. JAMES CURREY PUBLISHERS.

Focusing on the various socio-cultural groups in Kenya, the authors present a rich reservoir of oral literature passed on and preserved in East Africa including riddles, songs, proverbs and oral narratives. Index, bib, notes, 120pp, KENYA. EAST AFRICAN EDUCATIONAL PUBLI., 9966250859

Approaches the oral literature of the Luo through the genres of riddles, proverbs, poetry, and narratives. Notes, index, 200pp, KENYA. EAST AFRICAN EDUCATIONAL PUBLI., 9966250867

Using field notes, diary entries, photographs and texts of stories and poems, the author attempts to discover new ways of understanding and engaging with African storytelling and the complex relationship between artist and audience. Index, bib, notes, b/w illus, maps, xx, 316p, USA. UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN PRESS, 0299182142

A study of the political role of the poem and the song in the oral societies of Southern Africa. Index, bib, 345pp, UK. JAMES CURREY PUBLISHERS, 085255088X

1992 Paperback

A collection of essays looking at the way in which oral literatures reflect and affect contemporary social and political life. Addresses questions of power, gender the dynamics of language use, the representation of social structures and the relation between culture and the state. Cultures examined in detail are the Igbo, Somali, Dyula, Hausa, Shona, Zulu, and Ewe amongst others. A useful book for students of African literature, especially oral. Index, bib, notes, xiii, 285pp, UK. CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, 0521480612

The author argues that women in their verbal art create a ritual space that serves as the locus of both their creativity and their efforts to negotiate power as well as affirm their own selfhood. App, notes, bib, index, 260pp, USA. AFRICA WORLD PRESS.

Charts the development of the neglected yet vibrant oral tradition in South Africa, suggesting ways of 'reading' and analysing these unique and indigenous South African art forms to discover their significance for the contemporary scene. Index, bib, notes, 291pp, SOUTH AFRICA. OXFORD UNIV. PRESS SOUTH AFRICA, 0195716329