EXCELLENCY COOU JOFOCUS JOURNAL 2022.cdr 161 162 Igbo Oral Literature in a Digital Age: An Appraisal of IgboRiddles and Tongue Twisters Dr. Nkoli Mercy Nnyigide Department of Igbo, African and Communication Studies Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka nm.nnyigide@unizik.edu.ng Abstract Igbo oral literature is a type of literature that is rendered orally and appreciated aurally. This study examines the Igbo riddles and tongue twisters. These are forms of Igbo oral literature which embody rich Igbo values. They are regarded as agwụgwa and okwuntabirerespectively. Many Igbo people have not shown reasonable interest in showcasing and projecting the Igbo riddles and tongue twisters in this digital era. The only visible effort has been the use of modern media such as radio and television in showcasing these Igbo oral genres unlike the use of social media. Previous studies have equally shown that these forms of Igbo oral literature have not received desired scholarly attention in spite of the rich Igbo values embodied in them. Unfortunately, some Igbo people, especially the youths and children do not appreciate and utilise the Igbo values and linguistic features embodied in these oral genres. Therefore, this study examines these aspects of the Igbo oral literature so as to determine the extent they have thriven in this digital era and also to identify measures that would be employed to bring them to limelight for the exploration and consumption of the younger generation. However, the study selects data from oral interview and relevant literatures. It adopts literary theory of functionalism and descriptive approach in assessing these literary genres. It is hoped that the present study will encourage the Igbo scholars, youths and children to employ various forms of the social media in projecting and preserving the Igbo riddles and tongue twisters in this digital age. which the dialogue is constructed, and how each character is drawn with careful attention to each detail. Adichie documents the Nigerian Biafran war, but the story revolves around how this particular time in history was experienced by the characters. Adichie uses the different characters to demonstrate that there are as many versions of reality as there are people to interpret it; she uses her novel to show these different dimensions of one and the same period in time. FurtheAdichie combines history and literature to keep the past in the present, to keep it alive, and also to make the historical and political history felt. Works Cited Achebe, Chinua. Morning Yet on Creation Day. HEB, 1975. Adichie, Chimamanda. Half of a Yellow Sun. Farafina, 2006. Alaba-Isama, Godwin.The Tragedy of Victory: On the Spot Account of the Nigerian-Biafra War in the Atlantic Theatre. Spectrum Books, 2013. Amuta, Chidi. “The Nigerian Civil War and the Evolution of Nigerian Literature”.Canadian Journal of African Studies, vol 17, no 1, 1983, pp. 85-89. Brady, Patrick. Memory and History as Fiction: An Archetypal Approach to the Historical Novel. New Paradigm Press, 1983. Carr, Edward. What is History? Penguin, 1981. Collingwood, Christopher. The idea of History.Oxford University Press, 1946. De groot, Jerome. The Historical Novel.Routldge, 2010. Emenyonu, Ernest. War in African Literature Today.HEBN, 2008. Okigbo, Christopher. Labyrinths.Heinemann, 1971. Orie, Chibueze Prince. The Curio in Phenomenality and Competence.Samdrew, 2011. COOU JOFOCUS: COOU Journal of Folklore and Cultural Studies, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2022 Dr. Nkoli Mercy Nnyigide: Igbo Oral Literature in a Digital Age: An Appraisal of Igbo Riddles and Tongue Twisters http://nm.nnyigide@unizik.edu.ng 163 164 Obviously, the Igbo oral literature should blend and embrace the current technological trend. Various technological devices should be the tools for the projection and the preservation of the Igbo oral forms. Hence, this present study which appraises the Igbo riddles and tongue twisters in order to identify measures for their enhancement and projection in this digital age. There are various forms of the Igbo oral literature but this study focuses on Igbo riddles and tongue twisters because of the immense role they played and would continue to play in transferring the Igbo values, norms, ethics and worldview to the younger generation. Conceptual Framework The major concepts prominent in this study would be examined based on the context of this study. These concepts are: Igbo oral literature, Igbo riddles, Igbo tongue twisters and digital age. Igbo Oral Literature As the name implies, it is a type of Igbo literature that is not written but it is in oral form. It embodies the Igbo values, beliefs, thoughts, norms, ethics and worldview. Nwadike (1992, 2003) affirms that the Igbo oral literature is not written. It is transferred from one generation to another. Besides, Okoh, (2008) observes, “In contrast to the written form, oral literature is spoken, sung, intoned, recited, or chanted, depending on the context” (p.72). This shows that there are various contexts for presentation of the oral literature unlike the written literature. Also, Okoh adds that oral literature is oral and appreciated aurally. In addition, Ikwubuzo (2008) believes that Oral literature is a living and dynamic art which has survived successive generations. In traditional Igbo society, for instance, the performance of oral literature permeates the social, religious, cultural, political or informal occasions. COOU JOFOCUS: COOU Journal of Folklore and Cultural Studies, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2022 Keywords: Oral literature, Riddles, Tongue Twisters, Functionalism, Literary Genre Introduction Igbo oral literature is an aspect of Igbo oral literature. As the name implies, it is the type of literature that is not written but it is usually presented in oral form as it was inherited from the forefathers. It does not have a known author. Rather, it is communally owned by the members of the society. Igbo oral literature is regarded as the origin of Igbo literature. This explains why many Igbo literary scholars hold the view that Igbo written literature metamorphosed from the Igbo oral literature. Even though that the authors of the Igbo literature are lost in history, it is pertinent to affirm here that they made frantic efforts in articulating various Igbo values and aesthetics of the Igbo language into the oral literature, specifically the Igbo riddles and tongue twisters. This is among the reasons why some literary scholars observed that many Igbo literary writers borrow extensively from oral literature which is regarded as the model for the written literature. In the early Igbo society, various forms of the Igbo oral literature played major role in enhancing communal living among the Igbo race. Unlike the situation in the early Igbo era, the Igbo oral literature is faced with survival challenge in this digital age. Amazingly, unlike the owners and custodians of these oral genres, it appears that some non-Igbo speakers appreciate, utilise and appreciate these Igbo oral genres through various technological devices more than the Igbo. Some Igbo scholars like Nwadike (2003), Maduka (2007), Ikwubuzo (2008), Nwokoye (2018), among others, lament that globalization, modern technology and negative attitude of some Igbo people have contributed to the extinction of some aspects of the Igbo oral genre. But this study posits that it ought not to be so. However, Nnyigide (2018) advocates that different forms of Igbo oral literature should be strevitalised to align with the technological innovations of the 21 century. Dr. Nkoli Mercy Nnyigide: Igbo Oral Literature in a Digital Age: An Appraisal of Igbo Riddles and Tongue Twisters 165 166 functionalism in analysing the primary data. This is a literary approach that examines the relevance of literature to the society. It emphasises the functional attribute of literature to the society. In other words, it focuses on the functions performed in the society by literature. Ikeokwu, (2007) observes that the precepts of functionalism are based on the concepts of 'social commitment' which is an aspect of social criticism that is used to buttress the point that literature is and ought to be relevant to the society that has given birth to it and nurtures it. Besides, Mbah and Mbah, (2007) observe that functionalism focuses on the practical role of oral literature. Functionalism is more suitable in this study because it x-rays the functions and impacts of the Igbo riddles and tongue twisters on the audience and the society that own them. Why the Igbo Riddles and Tongue Twisters? - Their Functions One may wonder and ask why this study has focused on the Igbo riddles and tongue twisters. The reason for focusing on the Igbo riddles and tongue twisters in this study cannot be overemphasized. Tongue twister and riddles perform numerous functions in the society especially in the language teaching and learning of children. They were originally created for fun. Early Igbo elders and parents employed them in training and transferring of their values and language skill to their children. Ogundipe as cited in Emenanjo (2007) observes that riddles and tongue twisters perform outstanding functions in the society. They are vehicles for fun and amusement. According to him, “Like riddles, tongue twisters can be swapped before a tale telling session to warm up the audience. They are not limited to any specific time to day or night… they are used for teaching elocution and for the dramatization and enhancement of verbal skill” (pp. 7- 8). Many literary scholars concur that tongue twisters have entertaining and therapeutic value. Emenanjo (2007) affirms thus: “… they are also employed as therapeutic aids for persons with COOU JOFOCUS: COOU Journal of Folklore and Cultural Studies, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2022 Igbo Riddles The Igbo riddle is a form of Igbo oral literature. In the early Igbo society, it was one of the prominent Igbo oral genres usually presented during the folktale sessions and other occasions where children are gathered. It is presented in two parts; the question and answer. Riddles have special features. According to Okoh, (2008), “Riddle, as well as oral poetry in general, … is characterised by a highly imaginative and symbolic mode of expression, rather than the plain, ordinary language of everyday discourse” (p. 24). From Okoh's observation, it could be seen that the riddle has creative and imaginative attributes. Besides, Emenanjo, (2007) observes that the riddle is, perhaps, the only genre of oral literature, which involves active participation, since by its nature, it involves two mutually complementary parts: the Question/Proposition and the Answer this observation is correct because during the presentation of the riddles, the presenter and the audience are usually active. This shows that riddle does not entertain any dull moment. Igbo Tongue Twisters The Igbo tongue twister is a minor genre of the Igbo oral literature. It is a combination of words that are alliterative in nature which are usually difficult to articulate. It has aesthetic features but rarely express meaning. Emenanjo, (2007) confirms this thus: “The only oral genre, which has no 'moral' or 'inner' message. It is usually a well-made sentence, which is occasionally and accidentally meaningful” (p.6). Digital Age This is known as the information age. According to IGI stGlobal (2022), it is a historic period in the 21 century that is charactrised by rapid change from traditional industry to an economy based on information technology. can be described as It a time frame in history that the use of digital technology became prevalent and of common use throughout the world. Theoretical Framework As stated above, this study adopts the literary theory called Dr. Nkoli Mercy Nnyigide: Igbo Oral Literature in a Digital Age: An Appraisal of Igbo Riddles and Tongue Twisters 167 168 these aspects of Igbo oral genres have not received the scholarly attention they deserve in this digital age. Hence, the need for the present study. Data Presentation and Data Analysis Examples of Igbo Riddles Example 1 Original: Q: Gwa mgwa m gwa m; gwa motinwatan'ihunneya? A: Agụụ English: Q: Tell me tell me tell me; tell me that which beats a child in the presence of his mother? A: Hunger Among the Igbo, it is believed that the primary role of a mother is to provide food for her children just like the mother hen. She also protects and shields their children jealously from the enemy. Ordinarily, no sane mother would allow anyone to beat or hurt her child in her presence. From the above riddle, the only thing that can beat a child before her is hunger because it cannot be seen and she does not have control over it. The above riddle presents loving and caring nature of mothers. The analysis of this riddle from the literary theory of functionalism reveals that the loving, caring and selfless attributes of a mother can be inculcated in the lives of the Igbo female children in particular and male children in general which they would continue to transfer to their generation for harmony in the society. Example 2 Original: Q: Gwa m, gwa m gwa m; gwa m ihemmirisaraahụmmayaarụọ? A: Nnu English: Q: Tell me tell me tell me; tell me that, which is bathed in water and the beauty fades away? COOU JOFOCUS: COOU Journal of Folklore and Cultural Studies, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2022 minor speech defects. They also serve as a psychological release for the tension of social norm” (p.8).Obviously, the aspects of entertainment and aesthetics are major considerations in literature. Both riddles and tongue twisters pay wonderful attention to these aspects. Okoh, (2008) observe that performers and audience derive great pleasure and excitement from riddles and tongue twisters. Scholarly contribution on Igbo Riddles and Tongue Twisters Here, effort would be made to showcase the extent to which some scholars have researched on the Igbo riddles and tongue twisters. This is to enable the researcher to identify the gap in the present study. Emenanjo(2007), in his paper titled, “Two Minor Genres of Igbo Oral Literature: Tongue Twisters and Riddles” observes the riddle is the only genre of oral literature that involves active participation of audience. He went further to categorise the Igbo riddles into two: The single riddles and the chain riddles. Besides, Ojukwu and Igwe (2012), in their article titled, “Igbo Tongue-Twisters: A Linguistic Perspective'' explored some linguistic features in Igbo tongue twisters. Ozioko (2021) in her work titled, “Aesthetic Feature and Social Relevance of Igbo Tongue Twisters” examined the aesthetic features in Igbo tongue twisters. She observed that the Igbo tongue twisters are therapeutic in nature among others. Also, Mbah and Mbah (2007) in their book titled, Azụonye: Lectures on Igbo Literature and Stylistics argue that Ruth Finnegan has erroneously described riddles as a genre that belongs exclusively to children. According to them, Igbo tradition, riddles are not confined to children. Members of secret societies as well as masquerade societies use riddles in serious initiation rituals. In addition, Ikwubuzo (2008) in his work titled, “Igbo Oral Literature and the Igbo Youths Today: What Literary Legacy for Posterity” observe that a child can through his participation in riddle game imbibe some cultural norms and values of his society which are conveyed in the riddles. In spite of these few research efforts of these scholars, there is still dearth of scholarly works on Igbo riddles and tongue twisters as could be seen in the scholarly contribution above. It is obvious that Dr. Nkoli Mercy Nnyigide: Igbo Oral Literature in a Digital Age: An Appraisal of Igbo Riddles and Tongue Twisters 169 170 Examples of Igbo Tongue Twisters From the examples below, it could be seen that the major goal of the Igbo tongue twisters is the projection of alliteration and assonance. Example 1 Original UkochukwuOkechukwukwuluokwuChukwun'uloChukwu di naArochukwu English Reverend Okechukwu preached a sermon at the church in Arochukwu From the above example, it could be seen that the alliteration of k, ch and kwuare projected. Example 2 Original Papa Peter kwatara pawpaw kwanye Papa Paul. Papa Paul kwata pawpaw kwanye Papa Peter. English Peter's father plucked pawpaw and gives it to Paul's father. Paul's father plucks pawpaw and gives it to Peter's father. The example above showcases the alliteration of p. Example 3 Original Nwanyịna-akwaakwa, ị na- akwaakwanaọkụkọyiliakwanenuakwa ị kwalakwadịn'enuakwa? English Lady Tailor, are you crying because the hen laid an egg on the dress you made that is lying on the bed? The above example shows the assonance a and alliteration of kw. COOU JOFOCUS: COOU Journal of Folklore and Cultural Studies, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2022 A: Salt The above riddle creates a special mental picture in the minds of the audience and readers. Once salt is mentioned, the mental picture of its white colour automatically appears in the minds of the listeners. Unlike the black colour, anything that is white in colour is expected to be beautiful and attractive. On the other hand, it is universally known that water is used for bathing. It is also a known fact that bathing makes one to look beautiful. But from the analysis of the above riddle functionalist perspective, it could be seen that the white colour and the beauty of the salt usually fades away as soon as it is put in water or whenever water touches it. The lesson that the audience and readers could deduce from this riddle is that beauty fades away and that nothing is permanent. Example 3 Original: Q: Gwa m, gwa m gwa m; gwa m ihekuurummirilagoroelu A: AkịBekee Q: Tell me tell me tell me; tell me that which collected water and went up A: Coconut The above riddle is rendered with the intention of sharpening the critical thinking and reasoning of the children, audience and readers. Among various fruits the Igbo have, it is only the coconut that contains waters which usually tasty. So, whenever this riddle is posed, the minds of the children, audience and readers that have seen coconut before and the water that is contained in it do not hesitate to give the answer. The analysis of this riddle from functionalist lense reveals that any person that does not know the fruit that is called coconut will not be able to provide the answer to the riddle. However, this riddle shows that there is need for the Igbo children to be critical and logical in their thinking so as to understand and address the issues in their environment very well. Dr. Nkoli Mercy Nnyigide: Igbo Oral Literature in a Digital Age: An Appraisal of Igbo Riddles and Tongue Twisters 171 172 facilities in projecting, preserving and sustaining these rich Igbo oral genres for posterity. References Emenanjo, E. N. (2007). “Two minor genres of Igbo oral literature: Tongue twisters and riddles.” Journal of Igbo Studies, vol. 2, 2007. pp. 6-13. Mbah, B. M. & Mbah, E. E. (2007). Azụonye: Lectures on Igbo literature and stylistics. University of Nigeria Press. IGI Globa l (2022) , “Dig i t a l age” h t t p s : / / w w w. i g i - global.com/dictionary/resource-sharing/7562, accessed, August, 2022. Ikeokwu, E. S. (2007). “Functionalism and the pedagogy of Igbo folktales.” Journal of Igbo Studies, vol. 2, 2007. pp. 21-26. Ikwubuzo, I. (2008). “Igbo oral literature and the Igbo youths today: What literary legacy for posterity.” In Udezuluigbo: A festschrift in honour of Sam Uzochukwu Ikwubuzo, I., Ohiri-Aniche, C. &Nnabuihe, C. (Eds.), Green Olive. Nnyigide, N.M. &Ikwubuzo, I. (2018). “Revitalising Igbo aditional children's games in the age of globalisation.” A thconference paper presented at the 12 International Conference of International Society for the oral literatures of Africa, held at the University of Ibadan, July 10-12, 2018. Nwadike, I. U. (1992). Ntọalaagụmagu. Ifunanya Publishers. ... (2003). Agụmagụodịnala Igbo (Igbo oral literature). Africana First Publishers. Nwokoye, A. N. (2018). “Adverse effects of globalisation on traditional performance: A study of Igbo moonlight games.” th A conference paper presented at the 12 International conference of international society for the oral literatures of Africa, held at the University of Ibadan, July 10- 12, 2018. Ojukwu, O. &Igwe, A. (2021). “Igbo tongue twisters: A linguistics perspective." Global Academic Group: https://www.globalacademicgroup.com/journals/nard/Obed%20 Ojukwu%20and%20Annestacia%20Igwe.pdf, accessed: August, 2021. COOU JOFOCUS: COOU Journal of Folklore and Cultural Studies, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2022 Measures to Project the Igbo Riddles and Tongue Twisters in this Digital Era The following are the measures that could be adopted in projecting the Igbo riddles and tongue twisters in this digital era: § Documentation of some Igbo riddles and tongue twisters that are not yet documented and recorded. § Re-introduction of Igbo riddles and tongue twisters in school curriculum especially at nursery and primary levels. § Annotation of various Igbo riddles and tongue twisters § Deployment of ICT facilities in transferring the Igbo riddles and tongue twisters to the youths and children. § Consistent sharing of Igbo riddles and tongue twisters on various modern and social media platforms, among other measures. Findings and Conclusion As stated earlier, this study adopted the literary theory of functionalism in analysing the selected riddles from functionalist perspective. From the analysis, this study reveals that various Igbo cultural values and worldviews are embedded in Igbo riddles. Besides, it shows that the Igbo riddles have the capacity to inculcate Igbo values, virtues, wisdom, ethics, among others in the lives of the Igbo youths and children thereby bringing positive change in the lives of members of the society which enhances social harmony. On the part of the examined Igbo tongue twisters, the analysis shows that they project alliteration and assonance which could be employed as therapeutic measure on children and other members of the society that are faced with speech problems. Therefore, in this digital and information age, it behooves the Igbo scholars, researchers, students, youths in particular and Igbo people in general to employ all the modern technological devices and digital Dr. Nkoli Mercy Nnyigide: Igbo Oral Literature in a Digital Age: An Appraisal of Igbo Riddles and Tongue Twisters https://www.igi-global.com/dictionary/resource-sharing/7562 https://www.igi-global.com/dictionary/resource-sharing/7562 https://www.globalacademicgroup.com/journals/nard/Obed%20Ojukwu%20and%20Annestacia%20Igwe.pdf https://www.globalacademicgroup.com/journals/nard/Obed%20Ojukwu%20and%20Annestacia%20Igwe.pdf 173 COOU JOFOCUS: COOU Journal of Folklore and Cultural Studies, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2022 Okoh, N. (2008). Preface to oral literature. Africana First Publishers. Ozioko, C. J. (2021). “Aesthetic feature and social relevance of Igbo tongue twisters.” MAthesis, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87