TIV ORAL POETRY AND THE ENVIRONMENT: AN ECOCRITICAL STUDY OF SELECTED TIV BUSH BURNING SONGS

Abstract

This paper examines the extent to which poetry explores the
problematic interaction between man and environment at a
period when ecological problems pose a threat to the word ecology.
The selected songs illustrate the degradation of the environment
by bush burning impact on the vulnerability of the Nigerian
bionetwork and also on the livelihood of Tiv communities. The
theoretical framework used in the paper is ecocriticism. It
addresses the representations of nature, discusses specific issues
relating to the ecology and analyses the treatment of nature
expressed in the selected Tiv bush burning songs. It also tries to
link nature to the plot and other elements in the selected Tiv bush
burning songs. Furthermore, it attempts an ecocritical
examinations of environmental exploitation, as well as the
destruction of human and non-human habitats. The research
findings reveal that environmental degradation and the
consequent impoverishment of the lot of rural communities
in Nigeria have inhibited Nigerian natural environment from
enhancing its socio- economic development and the survival of
the Tiv people. The paper contributes to knowledge by preserving
the Tiv tradition with attention on selected Tiv bush burning songs
which otherwise are endangered by the negative influence of
western civilization. The paper has also contributes to knowledge
by showing that Tiv oral Poetry is also a fitting discursive
medium used to contribute to the ongoing debate about
ecological issues in Nigeria.