Symbolism and the theme of parenting in Rukiga folktales

Abstract

This research is about symbolism and the theme of parenting in Rukiga folktales. It analyses the symbols employed in the Rukiga folktales and and examines the effectiveness of symbolism in generating ideas on child upbringing. This research was therefore carried out with the purpose of finding out how symbolism facilitates the representation of the theme of parenting among the Bakiga. Information for this research was got by direct contact with the field whereby people were physically contacted, talked to and asked. Questionnaires, interviews and focused group discussion were used to obtain data. The major finding from the field revealed that the Rukiga traditional folktales are rich in symbolism. It also reveals that the people's beliefs, culture and practice are largely determined by the content of their folktales. The conclusion reached upon was that, Rukiga folktales cater do much for the audience of the young and how they improve their morals.