Orality in the Era of Globalisation: A Reading of Efua Sutherland’s The Marriage of Anansewa

Abstract

Oral literature has remained a source and material for African literature. It forms part of the repertoire that maintains a society aimed at curbing social ills. Hence, African writers use this form of literature in ensuring that African traditions do not go extinct. This paper interrogates the inter-textuality of the concept of orality and written literature and how in the era of globalization writers have ensured that orality thrives for the purpose of preserving and propagating indigenous values. The study observes that globalization has made it increasingly difficult for individuals to maintain their cultures and indigenous languages due to the fact that the dearth of African cultures in a global era is contending with the identity of individuals. Using the sociological theory, the paper examines Efua Sutherland’s The Marriage of Anansewa in order to underscore the import of integrating orality in a modem context. Also, it upholds that written literature can be used in sustaining and transmitting African tradition and its values in the face globalization. Lastly, it accentuates the efficacy of oral forms of literature in redefining, sustaining and transmitting values. The paper concludes by submitting that playwrights performed a huge role in preserving and promoting the African tradition and culture in the era of globalization.