Bemba work songs as literary forms : functions and symbolism
Date
2012-04-04
Authors
Takara-Kalabula, Hatsuko
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to collect and discover the efficacy of Bemba work
songs and how they could influence the upbringing of the younger Bemba generation.
The study was intended as referred to above, to collect, interpret and analyse the
literary forms used in them bringing out the functions and symbolism. The analysis
was made to gauge what contributions the Bemba work songs made in the
development of well-rounded Bemba youths who could be relied on to become leaders
in the Bemba societies.
The study used qualitative methods in collecting data. A combination of data collection methods such as observation, asking questions, focus group discussion with various age-groups, and a self-administered questionnaire was used with what the researcher considered educated leaders who had made a lot of contributions to the educational, cultural and social life in Bemba societies.
Over twenty-five various songs were collected from five villages which were randomly selected. The random selection was made with an understanding that living in the same geographical areas during the same period, would make respondents familiar with work songs sung in these areas. Fifty participants all aged above forty years were randomly selected. In addition, the (10) participants from institutions of higher learning, twenty (20) youths -10 from urban and 10 from rural areas, who the researcher thought would and would not have any experience in work songs took part in focus group discussions.
The study revealed that most work songs sung by men were very simple two stanza ones which were repeated over and over in order to go with the rhythm and tempo of work.
The use of similes, metaphors, imagery and euphemism was seemingly missing. It was also revealed that the work songs that men sing are limited because the bulk of men's work do not need singing as this would disrupt concentration. The younger Bemba people were not involved in the work songs of their elderly parents.
As a consequence of the above findings, the researcher made a number of recommendations. Among these recommendations are that:
1. Literary group activities should be established at community level where
the young Bemba would express themselves in the oral literature for
them to grow up as well-rounded future leaders of their societies.
2. Reading and discussion circles where contributions made by experienced
leaders in their societies would be read, discussed and emulated.
3. Establishment of firm literary foundation in schools, community centres,
etc., where African literature and artefacts can be created, appreciated
and preserved for future generations.
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Keywords
Bemba language--Zambia , Bemba (African people)--Zambia , Songs--Zambia