The Role of Oral Tradition in Contemporary African Literature: A Reading of Things Fall Apart and A Man of The People by Chinua Achebe

Abstract

This study investigates the role of oral tradition in contemporary African literature, with a specific focus on Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and A Man of the People. Oral traditions, including proverbs, folktales, and communal storytelling, are foundational to African cultural identity and serve as critical tools for preserving and transmitting cultural values. Achebe’s novels incorporate these elements to bridge the gap between traditional African storytelling and modern literary forms. The study seeks to understand how oral traditions enrich Achebe’s narratives, offering insight into the tensions between traditional and modern values while addressing the broader implications of colonial and postcolonial transformations in African society. Using a postcolonial theoretical framework and qualitative textual analysis, the research examines Achebe’s strategic use of oral traditions in character development, thematic exploration, and social critique. Things Fall Apart highlights the richness and vulnerability of pre-colonial Igbo culture, while A Man of the People critiques the corruption and moral decay of post-independence society, demonstrating the adaptability of oral traditions to contemporary contexts. The findings emphasize the importance of oral traditions in reclaiming cultural heritage and shaping literary innovation. It is recommended that African writers and educators continue to integrate oral traditions into literature and education to foster cultural preservation and identity.