Abstract

African oral traditions show a unique situational use of language. Proverbs and folktales which are embodiment of folklore express African worldview especially the spiritual dimension which is mythically believed to validate cultural norms and behavior. They are beyond scientific expressions as they bear pragmatic rules that regulate behavioural patterns. In this study, four literary theories namely, Sociological, Formalistic, Marxist and Psychoanalytic are applied to the explication of five proverbs and two folktales. The study highlights those proverbs and folktales that use characters and consequences to reinforce positive communal ethos. lt further delineates that applying these critical lenses to proverbs and folktales help to transform them from simple literary permutation into a more defined cultural artifact. It then concludes by asserting that proverbs and folktales have remained past precedent for present behaviour.

Keywords: traditions, proverbs, folktales, values, behavior, moral, society. folklore, culture, oral, literary, theory

How to cite

Ogechi Comfort Nwanesi (2026). LEVERAGING ON THE APPLICATION OF LITERARY THEORIES ON FOLKLORE FOR MITIGATING MORAL DECADENCE IN IGBO SOCIETY. NATELCEP Journal of Languages and Communication Studies (NJLCS), 19(1), 116–121. https://www.natelcep.org/journal/articles/6aac69db7ff034e55ea5ef14