The Use and the Functions of Body Language in Oral Literature

The Use and The Functions of Body Language in Oral Literature
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Body language is one of the most important aspects of oral performance. It involves both the performer and the audience. Just like how everyone uniquely uses other languages, each performer and audience have their own unique way of expressing themselves without using words.

Body Language in oral literature includes activities that involve the use of either a part of the body or the whole body with respect to a performance item.

 Body language in Oral Literature involves:

  • Nodding
  • Smiling
  • Sitting posture (upright or leaning forward).
  • Dancing
  • Clapping/ applauding   
  • Laughing
  • Frowning
  • Waving
  • Stamping feet.


Use of  body language in oral literature serves has the following major functions:

  • Body language makes a performance interesting.
  • It enhances memorability of the performed item.
  • It breaks the monotony of an empty narration.
  • It enhances the interpretation of a performance item by the audience as body movement can be used to demonstrate

Body languages that show alertness on the part of audience during performance of Oral Literature:

  • Nodding
  • Smiling
  • Clapping
  • Applauding
  • Laughing
  • Sitting upright
  • Leaning forward

It is worth noting that body language varies from speaker to speaker and from one culture to another. 

Factors that affect the use of body language include:

  • The age of both the audience and the performer
  • Cultural norms
  • Mood/environment surrounding the performance
  • Personality of the performer
  • The nature of the performance


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