Resemblance of Elements of Oral Literature Across African Cultures-Oluchi E. Nebolisa and Ujunwa P. Ekwenugo

Abstract: Oral literature is unwritten literature that was created over the years and passed down from one generation to another through word of mouth. Oral literature has its elements which include: songs, folktales, myths and legends, riddles, proverbs, etc. These elements constitute, in a real and significant sense, the literary achievement and traditions of indigenous African societies from time immemorial. They are the manifestation of traditional creative imagination, beliefs and perception of social reality peculiar to Africans. In different African cultures, elements of oral literature are similar, despite barriers of space and language. Many people wonder what brings about similarities. This is survey research. The theory adopted was migration theory. This study realized that they are resemblance in African folktales, myth, African songs, and their griots, irrespective of different countries in Africa, yet they have similar oral literature. It was concluded that similarities in elements of oral literature in Africa will bring unification of all races, which will shun racism, tribalism, hatred, and establish one universe where peace, love, happiness, justice, and equity reign. here