Background of the Study
Traditional storytelling in Ibadan has long been a vital medium for the transmission of cultural narratives and values, with Yoruba language serving as its primary vehicle. Within these narratives, conversational repair mechanisms—strategies used to resolve misunderstandings and clarify communication—play a critical role. Storytellers often employ repetition, rephrasing, and nonverbal cues to mend conversational breakdowns and ensure that the intended message resonates with the audience (Oluwaseun, 2023). These repair strategies are not random; they are steeped in cultural tradition and reflect deep-seated norms regarding respect, clarity, and communal cohesion. In a setting where oral literature is a repository of communal history, the effective resolution of miscommunication is essential. However, increasing exposure to modern communication styles and digital media poses challenges to the preservation of these traditional repair mechanisms. Younger storytellers may adopt new methods that deviate from established norms, potentially altering the interpretative framework of the narrative. This study investigates how traditional Yoruba storytellers in Ibadan manage conversational repairs, aiming to document these mechanisms and explore how they are evolving in response to modern influences. Field recordings, participant observations, and in-depth interviews will be used to capture the nuances of these repair strategies and to analyze their effectiveness in preserving the cultural integrity of the oral tradition.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the critical role of conversational repair in maintaining narrative coherence, traditional Yoruba storytelling in Ibadan faces challenges from modern communication trends. As storytellers increasingly incorporate contemporary language styles, the classic repair mechanisms may be diluted or altered, leading to potential misunderstandings and loss of cultural nuance (Oluwaseun, 2023). The shift in communicative practices has not been comprehensively documented, leaving a gap in understanding how these changes affect the effectiveness of storytelling. Without clear strategies to preserve traditional repair mechanisms, the rich heritage embedded in Yoruba oral narratives risks being compromised (Akinola, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
To document the traditional repair mechanisms used by Yoruba storytellers.
To assess the influence of modern communication on these mechanisms.
To recommend strategies for preserving effective conversational repair in storytelling.
Research Questions
What repair mechanisms are most commonly used by Yoruba traditional storytellers?
How are these mechanisms impacted by modern communication trends?
What interventions can support the preservation of these traditional strategies?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it elucidates the role of conversational repair in maintaining the clarity and cultural integrity of Yoruba storytelling in Ibadan. Its findings will aid cultural preservationists, linguists, and educators in developing strategies to sustain traditional narrative practices amidst modernization. By preserving effective repair mechanisms, the study contributes to the continuity of oral heritage and enhances our understanding of indigenous communication practices (Oluwaseun, 2023; Akinola, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study is limited to examining conversational repair mechanisms among traditional Yoruba storytellers in Ibadan and does not extend to other communicative practices or regions.
Definitions of Terms
Conversational Repair: Techniques used to correct misunderstandings in dialogue.
Traditional Storytellers: Individuals who transmit cultural narratives orally.
Yoruba Language: The indigenous language of the Yoruba people.
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