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African Short Stories and Poems Script

The presentation discusses African short stories and poems, highlighting their cultural significance and historical roots in oral storytelling traditions. It explores common themes such as identity, colonialism, and social justice, while also recognizing notable authors and their contributions to literature. The presentation emphasizes the role of storytelling in educating communities and preserving cultural heritage.

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Maria antonieth Collamat
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6 views3 pages

African Short Stories and Poems Script

The presentation discusses African short stories and poems, highlighting their cultural significance and historical roots in oral storytelling traditions. It explores common themes such as identity, colonialism, and social justice, while also recognizing notable authors and their contributions to literature. The presentation emphasizes the role of storytelling in educating communities and preserving cultural heritage.

Uploaded by

Maria antonieth Collamat
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Presentation Script: African Short Stories and Poems

Presented by: Maria Antonieth Gayatgay Collamat

Slide 1: Title Slide


Good day, everyone. Today, I am honored to present to you an insightful discussion on
African short stories and poems. These literary works capture the essence of African
culture, history, and human experiences, reflecting the richness and depth of African
storytelling.

Slide 2: Introduction (with Trivia)


Did you know that African literature has one of the world's oldest storytelling traditions?
Long before books were written, African communities used oral storytelling to preserve
history, pass down knowledge, and teach moral lessons. Many of these stories featured
trickster animals like Anansi the Spider in West Africa, who used wit and cunning to
outsmart larger animals. These traditions continue today in African short stories and
poems, blending folklore with contemporary themes.

African short stories and poems reflect this rich tradition, blending modern themes with
deep cultural heritage. They address colonialism, social justice, identity, and resilience,
offering powerful narratives that captivate readers worldwide.

Slide 3: Historical and Cultural Background (with Trivia)


Africa is home to over 1,500 languages, and each community has its own storytelling
traditions. Historically, griots (oral historians) in West Africa passed down stories, while in
Southern Africa, praise poets performed for kings and chiefs. This oral tradition later
influenced the written works of African authors.

The impact of colonial rule, struggles for independence, and modern-day challenges are key
influences in African storytelling. Many writers use literature as a tool to reclaim identity,
preserve culture, and advocate for change.

Slide 4: Common Themes in African Literature (with Trivia)


A fascinating fact about African literature is that many stories use animals as symbols of
human struggles. For example, the hare often represents intelligence and survival, while the
lion symbolizes power and leadership.

Common themes in African literature include:


- Identity and heritage
- Colonialism and post-colonialism
- Social justice and inequality
- Family and tradition
- Nature and spirituality

Slide 5: Notable Authors and Works (with Trivia)


Did you know that the first African writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature was Wole
Soyinka in 1986? He is a Nigerian playwright and poet known for his powerful works on
justice and oppression.

Several African writers have significantly contributed to literature, including:


- Chinua Achebe (Nigeria)
- Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o (Kenya)
- Wole Soyinka (Nigeria)
- Ama Ata Aidoo (Ghana)
- Nadine Gordimer (South Africa)
- Poets: Leopold Senghor, Okot p'Bitek, and Niyi Osundare

Slide 6: Summary of Selected Short Stories (with Trivia)


Short stories have been a popular form of storytelling in Africa because they mirror the
brevity of oral tales. Many African writers use them to highlight daily life, struggles, and
triumphs.

Some notable short stories:


- 'Getting Somewhere' by Lillian A. Aujo
- 'It’s a Night Job' by Joanita Male
- 'In the Plantation' by Oyet Sisto Ocen
- 'The Sign' by Sneha Susan Shibu

Slide 7: Summary of Selected Poems (with Trivia)


African poetry often incorporates rhythm and music, reflecting the oral traditions of
storytelling. Some poems are even performed with drums or call-and-response chanting in
African ceremonies.

Selected poems:
- 'The Eye of Poetry' by Lillian A. Aujo
- 'I Died Alive' by Harriet Anena
- 'At 84' by Sophie N. Bamwoyeraki

Slide 8: Analysis of Selected Works (with Trivia)


Did you know that African literature often uses folktales within stories? This technique,
called ‘story within a story,’ is used to pass wisdom across generations.

Key literary elements in African stories and poems include:


- Symbolism
- Imagery
- Social Commentary
- Emotional Depth

Slide 9: Conclusion (with Trivia)


Did you know that African storytelling is not just for entertainment? In many communities,
stories are used to educate children, warn against dangers, and even settle disputes.

African short stories and poems offer a window into the lives, struggles, and triumphs of
people across the continent. They capture the spirit of resilience, the weight of history, and
the beauty of storytelling traditions.

Slide 10: References


The stories and poems in this presentation were sourced from the African Writers Trust
anthology, ‘Suubi,’ in collaboration with the British Council. Other references include
published works by renowned African authors.

Closing Statement
Thank you for your time and attention. I hope this presentation has provided valuable
insights into African short stories and poems. I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions!

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