From Oral to Digital and Back: Adinkra Symbols and Kweku Ananse on YouTube

J. B. Amissah- Arthur, Kwabena Opoku-Agyemang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Ananse Ntontan and Sankofa are two examples of Adinkra, which are sacred philosophical symbols that communicate important messages and represent cultural concepts. They were created by the Akan, found along the coast of West Africa, even though they have been exported across the globe. While there are hundreds of Adinkra symbols, Ananse Ntontan and Sankofa are among those that foreground folkloric traditions through their associated meanings. This chapter employs these two symbols as theoretical framework to propose a new approach to African digital literature. Through an analysis of thematic and stylistic tropes in a selection of case studies, this chapter shows how contemporary digital stories are linked to African oral tradition and are informed by a complex history that is connected to the literariness of Ananse Ntontan and Sankofa.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGlobal Perspectives on Digital Literature
Subtitle of host publicationa Critical Introduction for the Twenty- First Century
PublisherTaylor and Francis
Pages181-195
Number of pages15
ISBN (Electronic)9781000875232
ISBN (Print)9781032103518
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2023

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'From Oral to Digital and Back: Adinkra Symbols and Kweku Ananse on YouTube'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this