Didactic Titles in Literature: A Look at Selected Zambian-Language Literary Works

Abstract

This paper is a descriptive exploration of selected titles of Zambianlanguage literary works that contain in them didactic aspects, that is, forms of general advisory statements and proverbs/sayings as actual titles of the particular books. It demonstrates that the use of proverbial titles makes these works of fiction more concerned with didacticism rather than entertainment. This moralistic disposition which apparently seems to be a trademark of many authors in Zambian languages is a manifestation of the influence of traditional African orature in general and Zambian oral cultures in particular which places emphasis on the teaching of moral values in storytelling. This paper is guided by two literary theoretical approaches namely: the sociological approach which posits that literature should act as a mirror of society as well as to provide solutions for the society; and the ethical approach especially the idea that art should be morally sound.