The impact of narrative structures on discourse coherence in Yoruba folktales in Ibadan
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Narrative structures play a fundamental role in organizing content and ensuring discourse coherence, especially in traditional oral genres such as Yoruba folktales. In Ibadan, these folktales are not only vehicles for cultural transmission but also complex narratives that weave together plot, character, and moral lessons. Researchers have noted that conventional narrative elements—such as temporal sequencing, spatial organization, and thematic development—contribute significantly to the listener’s or reader’s ability to follow and understand the story (Adebola, 2023). Yoruba folktales often incorporate proverbs, repetition, and call-and-response patterns that enrich the narrative but also challenge conventional coherence models. This study investigates how narrative structures influence discourse coherence by analyzing the organization of Yoruba folktales. Using qualitative discourse analysis and computational linguistic tools, the research will assess how coherence is maintained through specific narrative devices and how these elements contribute to the overall interpretative framework of the folktales. Moreover, understanding these narrative structures may reveal how cultural practices inform cognitive processing of language. The study integrates insights from cognitive linguistics and cultural studies, contributing to theoretical models of discourse coherence and practical applications in literacy education and cultural preservation (Olajide, 2024; Chukwuma, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the rich narrative tradition of Yoruba folktales in Ibadan, there is limited research on how narrative structures affect discourse coherence. Standard models of discourse analysis may not adequately capture the culturally specific elements—such as proverbs and repetition—that characterize these folktales. This gap impedes our ability to understand how listeners and readers derive meaning from complex narrative constructions. Without a clear model that integrates cultural narrative devices, educators and cultural preservationists risk losing critical insights into effective communication practices inherent in Yoruba oral traditions (Adebola, 2023; Olajide, 2024).
Objectives of the Study:
1. To analyze the narrative structures present in Yoruba folktales.
2. To assess the impact of these structures on discourse coherence.
3. To develop a culturally informed model of narrative coherence.
Research Questions:
1. What narrative elements are most influential in maintaining discourse coherence in Yoruba folktales?
2. How do cultural devices such as proverbs and repetition contribute to coherence?
3. What modifications to existing discourse models can better account for Yoruba narrative structures?
Significance of the Study :
This study is significant as it bridges the gap between traditional narrative analysis and modern discourse theory by examining Yoruba folktales in Ibadan. The findings will enhance our understanding of how culturally specific narrative structures promote coherence and inform educational and cultural preservation strategies (Adebola, 2023; Chukwuma, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study is confined to analyzing Yoruba folktales in Ibadan and does not extend to other genres or regions.
Definitions of Terms:
• Narrative Structures: Organizational frameworks that shape the sequence and meaning of a story.
• Discourse Coherence: The logical and meaningful connection between parts of a text.
• Folktales: Traditional stories passed down orally, reflecting cultural values.
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