Klem 1982

Klem, Herbert V. 1982.Oral communication of the scriptures: Insight from African oral art. Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library. 256 pages. 0878083324. Location: Dallas SIL Library 269.2 K64.

Is highly thought provoking concerning the issue of literacy in Africa.

• Is the oral tradition so strong that literacy is undesired?
• Are tonal languages in written form more trouble and more difficult to read than they are of value?
• Is literacy required for a mature Christian life?
• Are we tearing down Africa's strongest, most vital cultural tradition by introducing literacy?

Is a good source material for research on orality.

Klem believes the Gospel must be communicated in an oral manner to 75 percent of the world that is not literate. Believes orality (music in Africa) can be the tool to introduce literacy (page xxii).

Goes somewhat overboard in making the point that oral communication is a vital aspect of African culture. Is a point to consider and weigh regarding efforts to translate the Scriptures and promote usage. Was successful with setting Hebrews to Yoruba music for oral performances.

• Bibliography module: Klem 1982
• In overview module: Bibliography (Literacy): K
• In modular book: Bibliography (Literacy), by Doris Gallemore, Trudi C. Hunt, Jeanne Swanson, and Stephen L. Walter
• In document collection: Reference materials
• In bookshelf: Literacy

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 28 June 1999

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