Nature of plots in Bemba Novels: The case of Chilangwa's Sheli wa Citatu, Kasonkomona's Ubuseko mu Bulanda, and Launshi's ukutangila tekufika

Abstract

This study investigates the nature of plots in the novels written in Bemba with particular reference to Chilangwa‘s Sheli Wa Citatu, Kasonkomona‘s Ubuseko Mu Bulanda, and Launshi‘s Ukutangila Tekufika. The study is a literary analysis in Zambian languages fiction and it is a qualitative textual analysis. Literary scholarly study of the nature of plots in Zambian languages fiction specifically Bemba is nonexistent as most works that have been written have been based on history, culture, and other literary analyses that strongly lean on orality. To investigate the nature of plots in the above-mentioned novels, the researcher has employed two main theories. That is, the Freytag's pyramid of plot analysis and the Denise Paulme's model. Literary and plot devices that were employed to propel the plot have also been highlighted. The findings of this research reveal that the novels that are written in the Bemba language are not all made of traditional plots (simple). Some authors adopt a traditional style while others adopt a complex one. Ubuseko Mu Bulanda has a complex plot on the basis that the novel follows more than one major character, that is, Ronald and Webster and it is not strictly chronological. On the contrary, Sheli Wa Citatu and Ukutangila Tekufika have traditional plots that are mainly chronological and their plots follow strictly the story of the main character, that is, Sheli and Lucy, respectively. The study concludes that works in the Bemba language are relatively impressive. They portray an appropriate use of plot devices and other literary devices. There are some whose plots can be traditional while others can be complex. Moreover, it has been observed that written literature is still pervious to oral literature as was indicated by the general employment of oral techniques and devices in all the books that were studied.In line with the findings, the following recommendations were made. Firstly, there is need to intensify literary criticism in Zambian languages and Bemba language in particular. Second, there is need to conduct studies to determine the extent to which plots in indigenous languages can coincide with those of the folktale. Thirdly, there is need to conduct similar studies in other Zambian languages and other indigenous languages across the world. Moreover, that the Ministry of Education adopts many of these books because of their content of didacticism. Finally, that the government should invigorate the promotion of publication of many literary works in Zambian languages.