African Music in an American Context. Mini-Module.

N

7

African Culture; African Languages; Area Studies; Black Studies; Comparative Analysis; Cross Cultural Studies; Cultural Awareness; Cultural Enrichment; Cultural Traits; Culture; Folk Culture; Language Role; Learning Activities; Learning Modules; Music; Music Activities; Music Appreciation; Music Education; Secondary Education; Yoruba

Insights are offered into how speech, melody, and rhythm dramatize the differences in the construction and interpretation of music for Africa and America. Intended for use in instructing American students about African music, the learning module relates music to traditional African culture and maintains that the music is at the same time functional, religious, and secular. The musical selections in the booklet focus on the inflectionary character of the Nigerian Yoruba language and the proverbial nature of most African songs, in which speech, melody, rhythm, and dance are interrelated. The multidimensional character of African music is portrayed through singing and dancing exercises, including a Yoruba rendition of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." The following questions, with suggested answers, are offered as a framework for teaching: (1) how does African music compare and contrast with American music? (2) how does music function in traditional African societies? (3) how has African music influenced American music? and (4) how has American music influenced African music? Several classroom enrichment activities and a bibliography are included. (Author/DB)

1977

ED132093