PRESERVING URHOBO CULTURAL IDENTITY THROUGH SONGS AND FOLKTALE

Charles Okorodudu

Abstract


Culture encompasses the entire gamut of a people‟s way of life which is reflected in the socio-politico-economics system of such people. Culture is by for more predominantly reflected in a people‟s mode of communication. This is why every culture is important as well as relates to some other cultures in one way or the other. The Urhobo culture which is replete with songs is somewhat related to its neighbouring cultures, particularly those of Benin, Iteskiri and Isoko as well as that of Yoruba. Thus, like the other cultures, the Urhobo has a rich cultural heritage which is preserved and disseminated through songs, folktales amongst others. The Urhobo language therefore becomes the index through which songs and folktales are communicated. This paper therefore focuses on the Urhobo traditional songs as valuable instruments enshrined in the Urhobo culture. The analysis of the songs revealed that the Urhobo traditional songs and folktales perform numerous functions such as being didactic, humorous etc.

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