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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:'Fulbe-ness' in Fulbe Oral Literature of Cameroon
Author:Eguchi, Paul KazuhisaISNI
Year:1993
Periodical:Senri Ethnological Studies
Issue:35
Pages:181-200
Language:English
Geographic term:Cameroon
Subjects:Fulani
ethnicity
oral literature
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Education and Oral Traditions
Abstract:The oral literature of the Fulbe reflects their attitude toward the definition of their identity, and their images of 'Fulbe-ness'. Several traditional concepts characterize Fulbe-ness. These are related to 'pulaaku' (Fulbe-ness), pastoralism and Islam. The author discusses these concepts as found in the oral literature of the Fulbe of Diamaré and Benoué in northern Cameroon and Adamaoua in East Cameroon. He deals in turn with amateur singing, professional singing, 'daacoobe' and 'mbooku' (songs, the former sung in the bush in 'bush' Fulfulde by cattle herders, the latter in the town in the Fulfulde of the townspeople), 'gime pulfule' (religious poems), folktales, riddles, proverbs and stories, and popular literature. He concludes that in Fulbe oral literature, Fulbe-ness is most clearly shown in the use of Fulfulde, of which there are several kinds in northern Cameroon. The Diamaré dialect is considered to be the most conservative and authentic. In contrast, the Fulfulde used in some of the popular literature is called 'bilkiire', vulgar tongue, and is despised by the 'core' Fulbe for its incompleteness. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum.
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