ANALYSIS OF CONTENT AND FORM IN IGBO ORAL POETRY

Abstract

This paper examines the analysis of content and form in Igbo oral poetry. Igbo oral poetry is the totality of verbal expressive form evolved in traditional society for social events, which are passed on orally from one generation to another. Oral poetry was relied upon as a way of preserving stories, histories and values. It was as old as man, and a crucial tool for outpouring of one’s emotional feeling using language. Igbo oral poetry is gradually abandoned by Igbo people due to foreign culture. This is a survey research. This paper realized that content in Igbo oral poetry usually has themes and emotion while structure in Igbo oral poetry contains rhythmic pattern and figurative language. It recommended that Igbo people should not allow their oral poetry to be in danger list because, Igbo oral poetry entertains, amuses, instructs and educates, as most oral poems contain deep reflections about society and man’s position in it.