1. Emphasis on Performance:
* Oral: Emphasis is on performance, storytelling, and memorization. Stories are not meant to be read passively, but to be experienced through the voice, tone, and gestures of the storyteller.
* Written: Emphasis is on the written word itself, its meaning, and its ability to be preserved. Stories are often read silently, with the reader bringing their own interpretation.
2. Storytelling as a Community Activity:
* Oral: Storytelling is often a communal event, with the audience participating through interjections, laughter, and singing. Stories are fluid and evolving, shaped by the community's experiences and interpretations.
* Written: Stories are typically read individually, with the reader engaging in a more solitary experience. The text remains fixed, and the author's intended meaning is generally considered to be paramount.
3. Emphasis on the Collective:
* Oral: Stories often focus on the history, values, and beliefs of the community. They serve as a means of preserving and transmitting knowledge, traditions, and social norms.
* Written: Stories can be more individualistic, reflecting the personal experiences and perspectives of the author. They may explore themes of individual agency, self-discovery, or personal growth.
4. Mutability and Adaptability:
* Oral: Oral stories are fluid and adaptable, changing over time with each retelling. Storytellers may add new elements, adjust details, or adapt stories to fit specific audiences or contexts.
* Written: Written stories are fixed in their written form, though interpretations may differ depending on the reader's background and perspective.
5. Impact of Linguistic Diversity:
* Oral: Oral traditions are deeply intertwined with the spoken language. They often utilize proverbs, metaphors, and linguistic devices that are specific to the culture and language of the community.
* Written: While written traditions are influenced by language, the focus shifts to the written form and its ability to be transcribed and disseminated more broadly.
6. The Role of Memory:
* Oral: Oral tradition relies heavily on memory. Storytellers must be able to memorize lengthy narratives and perform them with accuracy and authenticity.
* Written: Written tradition relies on external forms of storage, such as books and manuscripts. Memory becomes less crucial for preserving and transmitting information.
In conclusion, West African oral tradition is a dynamic and vibrant form of cultural expression that emphasizes performance, community, and the power of the spoken word. It differs significantly from written tradition, which focuses on the written word and its ability to be preserved and disseminated.