World Storytelling Day: Reviving the Ancient Art of Oral Narratives
The Timeless Tradition of Storytelling in African Culture
Every March 20th marks World Storytelling Day, a global celebration of humanity’s oldest art form. This year’s fifth edition carried the powerful theme “Reimagine Your World”, inviting communities to rediscover the magic of spoken narratives.
In traditional African societies, storytelling holds profound cultural significance. Evening gatherings would see children encircling elders—mothers, aunts, or grandmothers—who wove captivating tales of talking animals and moral lessons. These oral traditions not only entertained but served as the foundation for intergenerational bonding and character development.
The Educational Power of Folktales
Renowned Malian writer and storyteller Ousmane Diarra emphasizes storytelling’s multifaceted benefits:
“A child accustomed to tales develops stronger listening skills that persist into adulthood. Good listeners often avoid unnecessary conflicts. Storytelling also trains memory and helps children structure narratives in their minds.”
Diarra explains how folktales serve as social education tools, particularly through recurring themes about orphans and vulnerable characters. These stories teach empathy, social dynamics, and ethical behavior—functioning as an oral counterpart to children’s literature.
Animal Archetypes in African Folklore
Traditional tales frequently feature animal characters representing human traits:
- The clever hare symbolizes younger children and their mischievous ingenuity
- The brutish hyena represents raw strength without wisdom
Interestingly, children typically identify more with the cunning hare than the powerful hyena in these moral fables.
A Disappearing Tradition
Diarra laments the decline of storytelling in modern society:
“When village children visited me in Bamako, none could recall traditional tales from home. This disappearance threatens not just entertainment, but the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren.”
Historically, elders used storytelling and riddles for dual purposes:
- Tales delivered lessons through engaging narratives
- Riddles sharpened critical thinking and intelligence
As digital screens increasingly dominate childhoods, advocates like Diarra work to preserve this rich oral heritage before it fades into obscurity.