L’Afrique de l’Ouest à travers ses récits oraux

Abstract

In recent years, particularly towards the end of the twentieth century, more and more Western and African scholars have become interested in the study of African oral tradition, also known as oral literature. Some scholars have argued that oral tradition is the only authentic means by which one can grasp Africa and escape from the “colonial library”, both European and Islamic. Using this starting point, this project brings together different disciplines including history, Francophone studies, and African studies to explore how African oral tradition offers a new and different perspective on the society, politics, and history of Africa in general and West Africa in particular. Beginning with a definition of oral tradition, in particular definitions of the epic and the fairy tale, the traditional storytellers also known as griots, all the way to the point of impact of Islamization and French colonization, this project seeks to undertake an in-depth analysis of the problematic surrounding oral tradition and literature. Through analyses and interpretations of the epic of Soundjata or the Manding epic (Niane and Kouyaté, 1960) and two African tales in their context (Le pagne noir and L’homme qui voulait être roi, Bernard Dadié, 1955), this thesis will first highlight the advantages and disadvantages of oral tradition and examine how, ultimately, it can provide a reflection on the past and present of Africa. Then, by considering new technological developments and technologies in the world, this project will imagine the impact technological advancement can have on the future of oral tradition as well as the future of Africa.