Oral Literature Revision with Answers: It has Dawned Song

Instructions: Below is an oral poem. Study the poem and answer the questions that follow according to the given instructions.

Oh! It has dawned

Oh! It has dawned

You asking for a loincloth to take where?

Uncircumcised man of Ngiro

It has dawned

What do you need a loincloth for?

Now only your mother can help you

Uncircumcised man of Ngiro

What do you need a loincloth for?

 Won’t you call your mother to plead for you?

Oh! It has dawned

 Ii ii ii it has dawned

What do you need a loincloth for?

Question 1. Making close references to the poem, identify any three aspects of oral performance that make this poem easy to remember.

Answer: This question is testing on the knowledge of the characteristics of oral poems (songs). Such characteristics include Use of repetition, use of ideophones, use of direct address, focus on immediate occurrence, use of short simple stanzas. However, to score full marks, the student must explain each point mentioned and use the given oral poem as a point of reference.  

Suggested answers for this question is:

1. The poem uses repetition and hence is memorable e.g Oh! it has dawned
2. The poem uses ideophones e.g ii ii. This makes the oral poem to be interesting
3. The poem uses direct address. This has been achieved when the poet addresses the initiate directly using the pronoun 'you' thus making the poem immediate and effective.
4. The poem focuses on circumcision, which is an immediate occurrence thus making it easy for the audience to remember the main message. 
5. The poem makes use of simple, short stanzas. This makes it easy for the audience to participate by joining in.

How the question is marked: identification=1/2 mark, effect=1/2 mark, Total= 1 mark for each valid point.

Question 2: Imagine that you will be performing the oral poem before a live audience, in what ways would you make the performance of this oral poem effective?

Answer: This question is testing the knowledge of the performance  elements  of oral poems and their effectiveness

The suggested answers for this question are:

i. I would use facial expressions to depict emotions e.g a questioning face while asking 'What do you need a loincloth for'
ii. would make use of instruments such as a drum a drum
iii. would Incorporate a dance during the performance of the poem
iv. I would use any appropriate/meaningful gestures e.g pointing at the audience while saying 'You'

How the question is marked: Every valid point is 1 mark.

Question three: Imagine that you are to perform this oral poem to a live audience, what preparations would you make to ensure that the performance is effective?

Answer: This Question is testing on the knowledge of the preparation aspect of performance. . The question is in a general sense and all sensible responses are put into consideration.

The suggested answers for this question are:

i. I would perform a prior recitation to a mock audience before the day of the performance (rehearsal to master the content)
ii. I would gather prior information about the audience eg age, gender, etc to help in preparing for the performance according to their level
iii. I would consult an expert for advice
iv. I would look for appropriate costumes and accompaniments
v. I would stage a mock recitation before an imaginary audience
vi. I would ensure that I have groomed well 
vii. I would practice the use of facial expressions, tonal variation and gestures
viii.I would ensure that I know the time when to perform

How the question is marked: Every valid point is 1 mark.

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