Irony in Selected Kiganda Folktales

Abstract

The study is library and field research based. It applies qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. Field research forms the biggest portion of this study since it is the source of primary data. Data collected from the field using observation, interview guide is classified and analyzed using the Behaviorism theorist major tenet that states that all behavior is learned through interaction with the environment and it is characterized by reward and punishment. This study investigates the different forms of irony in Kiganda folktales. The main focus is on how irony effectively brings out the desired purpose of the folktale performance in Kiganda folktales. The different forms of irony are; verbal irony, dramatic irony, and situational irony. This study was conducted mostly through interviews and documentary analysis. The findings of the study show that irony is effective in bringing out the intended moral values, which are highly important in shaping society in Buganda in mainly the children because it shapes them into responsible citizens of society. Whereas it is true that there are other literary devices that are employed in Kiganda folktales like imagery, symbolism among others, they do not bring out the message clearly and above all the beauty of folktales that explains why this study is based on irony because it clearly brings out the message that the folktales intend.