The role of Sudanese rural women’s oral folk poetry in their social life : with regard to Darfur culture

Abstract EN

Sudanese rural women's folk poetry plays an important role and covers a wide area in their social life.

In Darfur region, which locates in Western Sudan, the rural women's oral folk poetry is of great significance in both social and cultural life.

The folk poetry can be recited in some settings or recited and sung in other occasions.

These tribal women come from different social backgrounds.

Some are nomads whereas others are farmers.

According to the rural folk poetry composers' language or vernacular, they are nicknamed as hakkama, tele abeera (singer), shaera (poetess) or badia (semi desert).

Their poetry reflects Darfur clans' variety of cultures.

The impact of such art, in undeveloped areas, is so great.

Because it can be regarded the public information in its broader sense, where there are no media facilities nearby.

Although most of these women are illiterate, their social contribution towards their communities is highly acknowledged.

Hence, the rural folk poetess is of high prestige and widely respected by the clan members and her audience