Semiotics of Oral literature: A kinetic perspective
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Date
1986
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria
Abstract
This thesis attempts a kinesic analysis of oral literature - an art form transmitted through both the
verbal and non-verbal communication (nvc) channels. Kinesics is concerned with body motions
(e.g. gestures and dance), as related to non verbal aspects of interpersonal communication.
Underlying the kinesic perspective is semiotics, a study of the verbal as well as the nvc signs and
their meanings. The semiotic analysis, therefore, investigates the dynamics of kinesic
communication in oral literature and the corresponding signification system between its verbal
and non-verbal channels. The oral literature of the Yoruba people is used as a case-study.
The analysis highlights dance-kinesics as an essential art in Yoruba literary expression. Highly
complementing the verbalised content, it also conveys and vivifies the salient concepts of
Yoruba oral literature. In addition, the dance comes through as a crucial ostensive vehicle for
other nvc signs in oral literature such as the sculpted and textile arts. Thus, dance-kinesics is
projected as a fully integrated art form in Yoruba oral literature enhancing its meaning and
aesthetic dimensions.
Furthermore, through the semiosis of the non-verbal arts, especially the kinesics of Yoruba oral
literature, the world-view and customs of the Yoruba, which previously had been subjected to
much misinterpretation because of their heavy symbolism and little known codification system,
now assume deeper significance and more profound meanings. This subsequent clarification
amply demonstrates the dynamic relationship between the verbal and the non-verbal arts in oral
literature and attests to the significance of the full codification system in the literature of oral
societies.
Description
370p
Keywords
Kinesic, Literature, Communication, Semiotics, Language, Codification, Arts