The Style and Performance of Kenyan Somali Oral Poetry
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Date
1994
Authors
Barre, Aden Muktar Haji
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
This thesis investigates the style and modes of performance of Kenyan Somali oral poetry. Several aspects of the oral poetry of this community are discussed, including both verbal and non-verbal elements. In addition, the study identifies the relationship between poetic •• performance and social life. Some of the activities linked to oral performance which are discussed in the thesis are: pastoral duties, co rting, wedding and marriage ceremonies, child care and clan feuding.The main proposition of the study is that there is a close link between oral poetic composition and performance and a community's way of life. In the Kenyan Somali context, the performance of ral poetry derives 9irectly from the people's way of life, their everyday experiences in the vast arid environment of the North Eastern Province, their nomadic, pastoral actiVities and their Islamic faith.
Conversely, the performance of the poetry and the community's response to it contribute significantly to the sustenance, enhancement and promotion of the community's activities and experiences.Based on field material collected in the North Eastern
Pro vince of Kenya in 1991 and 1992, the study endeavours to interpret the oral poetry from the point of view of the people who perform it and among whom it is performed. Apart from locating the poetry ;within the geographical
and socio-historical context of Kenyan Somali society, attempts are made• to identify its main categories,,' j ts recurren t topics and themes and t e major occasions of its performance.The study uses a composite stylistic and socio psycho!ogical theoretical framework to analyse the language, structure and techniques of performance of the poetry. It suggests that the community's response to the poetry is closely related to the stylistic and performing devices.
Description
A Thesis Submitted in partial fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Master of Arts in Kenyatta University, 1994
Keywords
Style, Performance, Kenyan Somali, Oral Poetry