Literature and Society: a Perspective on African Languages (AFL2603)
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AFL2603
Assignment 1
Semester 2 2024
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
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,AFL2603 Assignment 1 Semester 2 2024
1.1 How did people in the olden days’ prior formal education, transfer knowledge and skills to
their children? Support your answers with relevant examples. (15)
1.2 Folksongs and praise poems are always regarded as old fashioned and outdated. Do you
agree or disagree with this statement? Support your answers with relevant examples. (10) /25/
1.1 How did people in the olden days, prior to formal education, transfer knowledge and
skills to their children? (15 Marks)
Before the advent of formal education, knowledge and skills were passed down through
generations using various methods that were deeply rooted in the culture and daily life of
communities. Here are some key ways this was achieved:
1. Oral Tradition:
o Storytelling: Elders would share stories that contained moral lessons, historical
events, and cultural practices. For example, African griots, who were traditional
storytellers, preserved the history of their communities through oral narratives.
o Folktales and Myths: These were used to teach children about the values, beliefs,
and social norms of their community. The stories often had characters or
situations that symbolized real-life challenges or virtues.
2. Apprenticeship:
o Learning by Doing: Children learned practical skills by observing and assisting
their parents or other community members in their daily tasks. For instance, a
, blacksmith’s son would learn the trade by helping and gradually taking on more
complex tasks.
o Hands-On Training: Skills like farming, hunting, and crafting were passed down
through hands-on experience. The knowledge was directly transferred from parent
to child in the context of work.
3. Rites of Passage:
o Cultural Ceremonies: Many cultures had specific rites of passage, during which
adolescents were taught the roles and responsibilities they would take on as
adults. For example, in some African communities, initiation ceremonies included
lessons on leadership, responsibility, and community laws.
4. Role Modeling:
o Observational Learning: Children learned by observing the behavior and actions
of adults. This form of learning was especially important in social and cultural
practices, where children mimicked the behavior of their elders in various
situations.
o Mentorship: Elders or skilled individuals in the community would take on a
mentoring role, guiding children in specific trades or social roles.
5. Songs and Dance:
o Educational Songs: Songs were used to teach children about history, traditions,
and important life skills. For example, work songs helped to coordinate group
efforts and passed down agricultural knowledge.
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