Folktales and cultural identity development of Basoga children: a survey of nursery school children in Luuka district

Abstract

Cultural identity has been found to play a critical role in grounding persons to a specific belonging. Lack of cultural identity is associated with cultural disorientation and inconsistent with the value development of children. While tribes like Baganda have had a long history of cultural adaptation through activities like ‘ekisakaate’ that instill cultural identity, Basoga use Folktale and myths. This study explores how Basoga Folktales are being used to instill cultural identity development among nursery children, with a specific focus on Luuka district as a case study. The study specifically examined the cultural identity expectations of the Basoga people in Luuka district, then identified Folktale commonly told to nursery school children in the area, and analyse how Folktale are being used to promote children’s cultural identity development. An ethnographic research design was employed for this study, working with 5 cultural leaders, 5 key informants, 42 3-6-year-old children, 18 purposively selected teachers and parents from 10 nursery schools in Luuka District. Data obtained from observation and key informant interview guides was analysed using thematic content analysis. The study found out that there are different cultural values treassured by the Basoga that support cultural development among the children. And these cultural values are promoted through the use of Folktales. However this is not case now, the influence of western culture and religion has led to minimum attention on the use of Folktale to build cultural identity among children.The study findings show that Busoga cultural values can be promoted among the young through attending cultural ceremonies, promoting the Lusoga language and encouraging children to read the Lusoga literature. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommends that Ministry of education and sports, teachers and parent collaboratively work to use Folktale in developing cultural identity children in nursery school.