From Cradle to Grave: Yoru?ba? Court Poetry as a Quintessential Source of Lifelong Learning

Abstract

This study attempts to discuss the way(s) through which Yorùbá Court Poetry (YCP) can be used as a source of lifelong learning, mainly because of its numerous characteristics and functionality. For instance, it contains much information about the cultural heritage of the Yorùbá people. Ironically, despite its multiple functions, previous work has focused on the genre's panegyric function. However, this study reveals that this genre of Yorùbá oral poetry can do so much more than praise. To do this, the study utilises the functionalist theory of Bronislaw Malinowski to analyse data from the palaces of the Aláàfin of O??yo??, ?o??ni of Ife?? and the S?o??ún of O?gbo?mo???o??. These data were obtained from interviews with the established palace poets of the monarchs. Findings from the research reveal that YCP has many functions that make it an archetypal source of lifelong learning. Thus, it recommends that the genre be publicised more, especially through new media, so that more people can access it and learn salient lessons. The study concludes by establishing the relevance of the study of YCP to the field of oral poetry and society in general.