The impact of traditional storytelling on the syntax of Yoruba proverbs in Osun State
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
- Reference Style:
- Recommended for :
- NGN 5000
Background of the study
Traditional storytelling has long been a medium for preserving and transmitting cultural wisdom among Yoruba communities. In Osun State, the syntax of Yoruba proverbs is deeply intertwined with oral storytelling traditions, which employ distinctive grammatical structures to encapsulate moral lessons and communal values. This study explores how traditional storytelling influences the syntactic construction of Yoruba proverbs, with a focus on elements such as parallelism, repetition, and clause chaining. Storytellers intentionally manipulate syntax to enhance the mnemonic quality and aesthetic appeal of proverbs (Adebola, 2023). Recent field studies reveal that these syntactic features not only preserve cultural heritage but also evolve over time, reflecting shifts in social norms and language contact with modern forms of communication (Ogunyemi, 2024). By analyzing a corpus of proverbs alongside recorded storytelling sessions, this research investigates how narrative techniques shape syntactic choices. The study further considers the role of performance, audience interaction, and oral tradition in reinforcing these structures, thereby ensuring the continuity of cultural expression through language (Adebayo, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Despite the cultural significance of Yoruba proverbs, there is limited research on how traditional storytelling practices influence their syntactic structure. Preliminary observations indicate that the unique syntactic patterns found in proverbs may be waning due to modernization, potentially leading to a loss of cultural depth (Ibe, 2023). This study seeks to document and analyze these syntactic features to inform strategies for cultural preservation.
Objectives of the study
- To document syntactic patterns in Yoruba proverbs shaped by storytelling.
- To analyze the role of traditional narrative techniques in these patterns.
- To propose methods for preserving syntactic traditions in modern contexts.
Research questions
- How does traditional storytelling influence the syntax of Yoruba proverbs?
- What specific syntactic features are most affected?
- How can these traditions be preserved amid modernization?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it underscores the importance of traditional storytelling in preserving the syntactic richness of Yoruba proverbs. Its insights will support cultural preservation efforts and enrich academic understanding of language as a vessel of heritage (Folarin, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study
This study is limited to the examination of syntactic features in Yoruba proverbs influenced by traditional storytelling in Osun State. It does not address other literary forms or regions.
Definitions of terms
- Traditional Storytelling: The oral practice of transmitting cultural narratives.
- Yoruba Proverbs: Short, culturally significant sayings in Yoruba.
- Syntax: The rules governing sentence structure.
Related Project Materials
The effect of modern architecture on historical structures in Onitsha North Local Government Area, Anambra State
Background of the Study
Modern architecture, characterized by innovative materials and design, often coexists with historic...
AGRICULTURAL BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION: STRATEGIES FOR INVOLVING RURAL FARMERS IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA
BACKGROUND TO STUDY
One area of the environment that has lately attracted global attention is biodiversity conservation....
The Role of Auditing in Public Sector Resource Allocation in Minna Local Government Area
Background of the Study
Resource allocation in the public sector is a critical process that determines the distribution...
A MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE PRONOUN IN TIV
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
...
The effect of continuous assessment on students' performance in STEM subjects in Katsina-Ala LGA, Benue State
Background of the Study
Continuous assessment has become a central strategy in modern educational practices, particularly i...
An examination of public–private partnerships’ role in job creation in Nigeria: Evidence from Lagos State.
Background of the Study :
Public–private partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as a transformative model for addressing infrastructural...
An investigation of accessibility barriers to e-library services in Al Qalam University, Katsina, Katsina LGA, Katsina State
Background of the Study
E‑library services have become an essential component of academic support; however, accessibility r...
An assessment of the role of informal education in enhancing conflict resolution skills among secondary school students in Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State
Background of the Study
Conflict resolution skills are essential for maintaining a harmonious and productive social enviro...
An assessment of the role of physical education in reducing antisocial behaviors among students in Kano Municipal Local Government Area, Kano State
Background of the Study
Physical education is widely acknowledged as an integral component of educational systems, offering benefits that...
An investigation of the effects of urban sprawl on green spaces in Ilorin West Local Government Area, Kwara State
Background of the Study
Urban sprawl, characterized by the expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural lands, has become a significan...
