Oral Literature as a Spring-Board for Value Inculcation to Children (Published)
It has been observed that societal ills and vices abound in every nooks and crannies of this country and all over the world. The rate at which the youths are involved in immoral behaviour is a thing of concern to everyone. Many people are of the opinion that the disregard for and loss of our rich indigenous cultural values that encourage morality and good behaviour which the children and youths of the past were known for are responsible for these ugly situations in the country today. Many children and youths do not speak their indigenous language (mother tongue) neither do they understand the culture and traditions of their people. This is not surprising as culture and tradition go hand in hand with language. This paper supports that the only way out is for us to return to our cultural tradition which the people of the past used in entertaining and educating their children and youths. The paper is of the view that oral literature (folktale), when used to lay solid foundation in upbringing and education of the youths, will go a long way in inculcating moral values to them. The paper also advises that parents and teachers should serve as the mirror or model through which the children imitate and imbibe the societal values and aid in curbing immoral behaviour in the society. It also aims proffering a teaching model by which Igbo folktale can serve as a tool for inculcating core values to children and youths.
Keywords: Culture, Oral literature, Tradition, children, folktales, value inculcation