Orature and peace building in Bafut ritual-incantations

Abstract

This paper sets out to investigate the different conflicts inherent in our societies as X-rayed in incantations from Bafut, North West Region of Cameroon. It contends that the language used by performers of incantations in general is geared towards peace-building and it is an embodiment of culture. This language usage is brought out through the diction of the performers as pacifiers, their usage of euphemisms and other diminutive aspects of the language. The work proceeds to highlight other techniques of peace-building employed by the performers during performance including the idea of avoidance of hate speech. The paper submits further that the performer of incantations from Bafut is a whistle blower to early warnings for dispute settlement in order to prevent further conflicts. It concludes that traditional peace-building techniques using incantations are effective in building peace in our societies by first of all identifying the elements that hinder peace in the society, bringing the people and various groups together, and preaching the merits of living as a peace loving people both from within and without.