Abstract:
This thesis is a literary study of Dangme war songs. The work discussed the structure,
themes, and style in some Dangme war songs. The research discussed the aesthetic values
of these war songs among the people of Ada. Both primary and secondary data were
sourced for the analysis. The primary data collection was obtained through recording and
personal consultations and observations. The secondary data were souced from documents
which have some war songs in print. The study revealed that there are various themes
embedded in Dangme war songs that point or at least make reference to the history,
religion, and culture as well as the harmonies and tensions within the Dangme society
from which these songs were drawn. It also came to light that most Dangme war songs
are structurally composed in single stanzas with lines ranging from four to twelve lines.
The number of words per line ranges from two to eight. The study revealed also that
Dangme war songs are styled in simple and compound sentences and full of repetitions,
metaphors, symbolism, parallelisms, repetition among others that help to communicate
clear messages and intents of the warriors. It also demonstrated that the war songs of the
Dangme people fall into three categories; preparatory, operational, and celebrative songs
which are cornerstones in boosting the warriors’ morale. It is hoped that this work will
add up to the existing literature on the Dangme language and also serve as a great resource
material for learners and teachers of language and literature, especially Dangme.
Description:
Thesis in the Department of Ga-Dangme, Faculty of Ghanaian Languages,
submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, University of Education, Winneba in
partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Master of Philosophy
(Ghanaian Language Studies- Dangme) degree.