| Abstract: |
This paper examined impediments to effective research in African oral literature in the 21st Century, charting new directions for preparation for collation of oral art forms from their sources of composition for translation, classification, analysis and transmission. A generalised survey blending primary and secondary research, the methodology involved critically reading and analyses of secondary source material and watching some video clips of oral performances recently shot by this researcher to isolate and interpret foreseeable constraints to research in African oral literature. The findings included that problems of classification, language, coverage, translation or transcription, finance, secrecy, social conflict and epide-mics, among others, could hamper effective research in the field. Thus, the paper advanced the need for feasibility study of proposed research areas, acquisition of multiple audio-visual electronic gadgets for recording performances, engagement of adequate research assistants, exploitation of ICTs resources, group research, appropriate timing, grants, and sponsors, among others to make for more effective research in the 21st century. The paper concluded that the prospects of field research is high in the 21st century. |
EBONYI JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE
