Symbolism in the Abagusii Busaa Party Oral Poetry and Its Impact on the Community

Abstract

The study examines dominant symbols in Abagusii busaa party oral poetry and their impact on the society. The Symbols features greatly in many songs and oral poetry and its contribution to the society has not been given full attention. The study aims at identifying some of the dominant symbols used in both traditional and current busaa parties. It gives analysis of the dominant symbols in Abagusii busaa party oral poetry and also highlights the didactic value of these symbols. This study seeks to investigate the hypothesis that there are certain dominant symbols in Abagusii busaa party oral poetry .The study further investigates the hypostasis that analysis of the symbols releases the full meaning of the Abagusii busaa party oral poetry and why the songs are sung. My basic assumptions in this research is that the use of symbols in Abagusii busaa party oral poetry has a didactic role and can be said to influence the changes taking place in the society investigated. The research has been guided by three theories: sociological theory, stylistic theory and performance theory. The sociological theory has been used to place the busaa party oral poetry in its social context, for these songs spring from a given society which they in turn influence. The study also uses the stylistic literary theory to enable it engage the language of the busaa party oral poetry, especially symbolism. Finally the performance theory is used as a tool to enable the study discusses the busaa party oral poetry as it is performed in the field. The study through performance enables the researcher to participate fully in ceremonies as people enjoy. Parties act as crowd movers among the Abagusii people. The songs, chants and other popular sayings are used because they emphasize the message in focus. The respondents of different categories were engaged: research assistants, key informants and students selected from school choirs in Kenya music festivals .library research has also informed this study. This research project comprises of four chapters. Chapter one deals with the theoretical issues. Chapter Two focuses on the background of the Abagusii community. Chapter Three focuses on the analysis of key symbols in Gusii beer party oral poetry. This analysis shows how they preserve and disseminate cultural values in the society. Chapter Four comprises the conclusion, findings and recommendations of the research.