Oral-Formulaic Theory: Annotated Bibliography

Archie Mafeje. "The Role of the Bard in a Contemporary African Community." Journal of African Languages, 6:193-223.

Disagrees with the usual characterization of the Xhosa tribal bard as simply a "praise-poet," pointing out his social function as mediator between the chief and the people and between society and the individual. Compares the situation in South Africa to that involving the medieval European bards, especially in the OE tradition. Includes a large number of examples from the author's fieldwork.
Area: AF, OI, CP