The Effect of Prosody on Meaning in Nigerian Storytelling: A Case Study of Yoruba Oral Traditions
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Background of the study
Prosody, which includes features such as rhythm, intonation, and stress, is fundamental to the art of storytelling. In Yoruba oral traditions, prosody plays a pivotal role in conveying emotion, emphasizing narrative elements, and enhancing the listener’s engagement. This study explores how prosodic features shape the meaning of Yoruba stories, examining traditional performances and recorded narratives. Yoruba storytellers use variations in pitch and tempo to signal transitions, highlight moral lessons, and evoke cultural imagery (Afolabi, 2023). Through acoustic analysis and field recordings, the research investigates how changes in prosody can alter the interpretation of key narrative components. Additionally, the study considers the socio-cultural contexts in which these prosodic patterns are embedded, reflecting historical, moral, and communal values. By bridging performance studies and linguistics, the research aims to deepen our understanding of the communicative power of prosody in oral traditions and its implications for preserving indigenous cultural heritage (Musa, 2024; Chinwe, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Despite the recognized importance of prosody in Yoruba storytelling, there is limited empirical research on how specific prosodic features influence narrative meaning. The absence of systematic acoustic and interpretive studies hinders the understanding of how variations in rhythm and intonation affect listener comprehension and cultural transmission (Afolabi, 2023).
Objectives of the study:
1. To document prosodic features in Yoruba oral storytelling.
2. To analyze their effect on narrative meaning.
3. To assess implications for cultural preservation.
Research questions:
1. What prosodic patterns are typical in Yoruba storytelling?
2. How do these patterns influence the conveyed meaning?
3. How can these insights support cultural preservation?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it uncovers the role of prosody in shaping meaning in Yoruba storytelling, providing valuable insights for linguists and cultural practitioners. The findings will support efforts to preserve and promote indigenous oral traditions through informed linguistic analysis (Chinwe, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study focuses solely on prosodic features in Yoruba oral storytelling and does not extend to other cultural or narrative forms.
Definitions of terms:
1. Prosody: The rhythm, stress, and intonation of speech.
2. Oral Traditions: The cultural practices of storytelling and verbal transmission of knowledge.
3. Yoruba: A major Nigerian language with rich oral heritage.
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