GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

ABSTRACT

Folktale, a form of folklore, a verbal art is a traditional, unofficial, non-institutional part of culture encompassing all knowledge, understanding, values, attitudes, assumptions, feeling and beliefs of a particular race transmitted in traditional forms by word of mouth. This unique cultural practice encoded in speech form is used to communicate meaning to the younger generation. Unfortunately, this genre is undergoing stage of transition due to the influence of the western culture, thus causing a neglect of the ethos therein. It is on this basis that this study sets to establish the relevance of folktale in unraveling the philosophy of the life of the Igbos, a race resident in South-East Nigeria. To realize this objective, a descriptive survey research design which uses random sampling technique is used. To this end, two tales namely Ọjaadịlị and Ọmalịnze are selected for the analysis. The study also draws insight from the structural analytic approach of Vladimir Proop in the analysis of the tales. The results of the study reveal that the Igbo’s do not believe in folding their arms and waiting for manna to fall from heaven. Hence, they are highly industrious, insatiable in their quest for wealth, lavishes encomiums to whom that deserves it and above all sees the constant need for the restoration of dignity of man, hence their common adage “Ezi aha ka ego (good name is better than wealth)”. The study recommends among other things the teaching of indigenous literature and culture in schools as this offers a practical acquaintance with the indigenous language and culture and as well helps to unravel the richness and beauty of our cultural heritage.

KEYWORDS: Igbo Folktale and Igbo Philosophy of Life