ABSTRACT
Most of the songs of the Wagogo children of central Tanzania are naturally acquired in an enculturation process by which songs are “learned but not taught” (Rice, 1994). The author engaged in a research project in Chamwino village to examine these songs. Using observation, participant observation, video and audio documentation, data was gathered from 150 children, aged 4 to 12. The resulting analysis of the five Wagogo children’s songs develops the argument that the children in the process of singing acquire the culturally valued sense of community, while it contributes to an individual child’s community supported singing (and dancing) skills.
