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.
