Translation of African oral narrative-performances to the written word

Nearly 50 years ago, I wrote an article, “Translation of African Oral Narrative-performances to the Written Word” (1971), and I have thought about that article a number of times since then, hoping to rewrite it and update it on the basis of continued research trips to southern Africa and on the continued deepening of my understanding of oral traditions in African and non-African societies. This occasion, a book in honour of the noted scholar Isidore Okpewho, a valuable teacher for me and anyone interested in oral traditions, gives me the opportunity to revisit my early article, within the context not only of my continued experience but also in the context of the work of Professor Isidore Okpewho in this realm.