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

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.