Oral-Formulaic Theory: Annotated Bibliography

John W. Johnson. "Yes, Virginia, There Is an Epic in Africa." Review of African Literatures, 11:308-26.

Disagrees with Finnegan (1970a) and demonstrates that there is indeed an oral epic in Africa, specifically among the Mandekan speakers in West Africa. Offers as typical features four primary (poetic, narrative, heroic, and legendary) and four secondary characteristics (length, multi-functionality, cultural/traditional transmission, and multigeneric qualities). His narrative feature includes the theme as described by Lord (e.g. 1960).
Area: AF