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| History of the Tumbuka people |
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Tumbuka literature is the body of written and oral works composed in the Tumbuka language, a Bantu language spoken primarily in Malawi, Zambia and parts of Tanzania. It covers traditional oral narratives, poetry, proverbs, folktales, as well as modern works of fiction, drama, and scholarship. [1]
The Tumbuka people have a tradition of oral literature, including storytelling (nthano), riddles, songs, praise poetry, and proverbial expressions. Oral narratives served social, moral, and educational functions, transmitting cultural norms across generations. [1]
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Christian missionaries, particularly from the Church of Scotland, began documenting the Tumbuka language in written form. They translated the Bible, published catechisms, and promoted literacy.
Oral genres remain central to Tumbuka cultural life. Common forms include:
The emergence of written Tumbuka literature coincided with missionary education. Early publications included translations of religious texts and school primers. After years, secular writing developed, including short stories, poetry, and plays. [3]
Notable contributors include:
Scholarly interest in Tumbuka literature has grown since the mid-20th century. Researchers have documented oral traditions, compiled dictionaries, and analyzed proverbs and folktales. Institutions such as Mzuzu University in Malawi and the University of Zambia have supported projects on Tumbuka cultural heritage. [4]
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