Aesthetics in Five Annang Folksongs: An Oral Literary Approach

Abstract

Oral literature is an embodiment of various stylistic, archetypal and aesthetic elements. This paper shall attempt to examine and analyse aesthetics in five selected Annang folksongs. These carefully selected folksongs which cover different aspects of Annang culture are studied not only to unravel the incidents behind or the messages they contain but also to appreciate the aesthetic qualities of these songs through a study of the style of rendition. These folksongs were recorded and preserved by the researcher through verbal communication with the elders in selected Annang communities. Repetition, rhythm, alliteration, assonance, and other figures of speech as aesthetic elements are examined in this work to underscore how they enhance the beauty of the songs. This research work is of the view that Annang folksongs are legitimate manifestations of oral literature in action. The study concludes that there is need to study not just the thematic contents of Annang folksongs but also the form and style which constitute the aesthetics in Annang orature.

Keywords: Aesthetics, Annang, folksongs, orature.

DOI: 10.7176/JLLL/78-07

Publication date: April 30^th 2021