DIGITALIZATION OF CAMEROON ORAL LITERATURE: A NEW METHOD IN ORAL LITERATURE RESEARCH

Abstract

This article examines the application of modern technology in oral literature
research. Digital cameras present performances live to the audience which was not
at the scene when the event was captured. Through the use of the computer or
software such as Power-Point, images and sounds are simultaneously presented
to the viewer. It is through technological applications of this nature that the
indigenous parameters and set-up of oral literature are changed. Oral literature by
its nature is traditionally transmitted verbally. The technological changes that the
world undergoes compel oral literature to adapt to the new changes, namely
digitalization, for preserving and archiving our cultural artefacts so that they can
be passed on to future generations. We argue that the digital revolution offers an
excellent chance for scholars, oral performers and librarians to avail the oral text
online to regions beyond our borders. We suggest that the technology now allows
us to provide the oral text in multi-media, multi-lingual and interactive format for
local and foreign consumption. It is time for the oral literature researcher to join the
digital world.