Interpretations of a Sudanese Folktale
Dr. Muawia Mohamed Dafalla

Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Sudanese folktales in bridging the cultural gap between the older generations and the newer ones. Folktales can teach without stating directly, can work as a culturally unifying vehicle keeping certain social groups from disintegration or falling apart, and they can entertain as well. So the study explores the nuances of Sudanese indigenous folktales. It takes a Sudanese folktale, as a case study. The folktale is representative of a rich and colorful heritage of oral literature that still awaiting for discovery and exploration. The study shows that the richness of such heritage along with the beauty and diversity of this culture is evident but little or no efforts are exerted in order to preserve this artistic and human product. Unfortunately, these stories are 'dying-out' because there is no documentation for them as part of a general tendency of the public institutions which simply 'ignore' such roles. Folktales connect people and teach them about their ancestors. The choice of the case study, a folktale from a small tribe in Southern Sudan, is not arbitrary as the story itself raises the question of cultural diversity and the importance of respecting the minorities otherwise conflicts and civil wars will pervade instead of peace, love and harmony. The paper throws light on a type of genre which is rich yet neglected; naturally diverse in a society with so many different social groups. Last but not least, it calls for immediate attention by ringing the bells before it is too late.

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