A CRITICAL STUDY OF SYMBOLISM IN LANGO ORAL NARRATIVES
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Date
2025
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Gulu University
Abstract
The study examined the use of symbolism in Lango oral narratives. Symbolism is an important aspect of oral literature as it enhances the cohesion and meaningfulness of a text.
The study sought to document the sub-genres of the oral narratives among the Lango; explain how symbolism is used in the selected oral narratives and examine the roles played by symbolism in the selected oral narratives in preserving Lango culture. The study was grounded in the theory of Structuralism advanced by De Saussure (1916). The case study
design was used, guided by the descriptive design and qualitative research approach. Purposive sampling was used to identify the participants of the study (in Lira City). The study
used interviews, observation and recording as methods of data collection. Data was analyzed using thematic and content analysis techniques. The study revealed three sub-genres of Lango oral narratives: the myth, legend and folktale. Furthermore, plot development, entertainment, thematic development, etc., were analyzed to explore the role of symbolism in the Lango oral narratives. The study also revealed that symbolism has preserved Lango culture by way of preserving historical and cultural knowledge, Lango’s art and creativity, and the language itself. The study recommends that a digital archive should be established to preserve and protect Lango oral narratives by including transcriptions, translations, and audio-visual recordings, with collaboration from technology experts, cultural historians, and the local community. The study also recommends further study on the role of symbolism in other genres of Lango oral literature and their roles in preserving Lango culture.
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Keywords
symbolism, ral narratives, oral literature