Symbolism in Jopadhola Folk Songs

Abstract

This dissertation examines the symbolic nature of folk songs among the Jopadhola of Eastern Uganda, and how they influence their way of life. Samuel Ngugi is quoted in “Stand Points on African Literature” saying that “more research will still have to be done on the oral tradition of the peoples of East Africa whereby the local songs will have to be studied more closely” (Wanjala, 1973). This study heeds to this call and focuses mostly on the symbolic aspects in Adhola folk songs, and how they influenced the way of life of members in this society. The study also focuses on what exactly has been symbolized, what symbols have been used, and why symbolism is a distinct literary device in Jopadhola folk songs. This study uses focus groups, interviews, and internet-based research to collect data required to achieve the objectives of this study. The songs collected are described in detail, and classified as well in order to achieve an in-depth analysis of the collected folk songs. The study helps to reach the conclusion that Adhola folk songs are very rich in symbols. The symbols used are derived from day-to-day societal activities and way of life of members of the society and are therefore easily understood when used in folk songs to represent objects, people, or ideas. Through the symbols existent in Adhola folk songs, the Adhola learn the ideal way of life and society's expectations on the same.