The riddling tradition of the Farefari people the Solengirega

Abstract

The study is about the Gurenɛ riddle which precedes the narration of the folktale in most instances, among the Farefari people in the Upper-East Region of Ghana. The study examined the types of riddles, their themes, characteristics, composition and performance, and their functions as it pertains during the narration of the folktale and riddles. The riddle is an oral genre performed among the people of the Farefari society. Riddling serves as a major form of entertainment among the Farefari people and was performed formerly only in the evening as a means of entertainment at the homes of members of the community who are storytellers and also at social gatherings such as at the funeral celebrations of elderly people. The riddle is reputed to portray the culture and tradition of a people. Its performance invokes a sense of wisdom, moral teachings, and oneness in cultural issues. It entertains, educates, and generally transmits a people‟s culture. Its recitation also serves as an effective tool in the Farefari society for members as they use that medium to educate, socialize, and equally criticize the wrong doings of members of the community. Riddling promotes a healthy competition of ideas leading to a peaceful coexistence among members of the community. The study revealed that riddling is an effective communication tool that when fully cooperated into the curriculum of the basic schools would enhance learners‟ ability to grasps concepts faster.