DIDACTISM IN THE ALO GENRE FOR CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT AND BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION

Abstract

Against the backdrop of contemporary changes in the Nigerian society of the 21st Century, and a consequent degeneration of societal values, this paper examines the unsettling development and explores ways of amelioration. To find a panacea to this unhealthy development there has to be a revisit to our roots culture. Specifically, the reformative potency of the alo genre (i.e. Oral folklore) for character development and behaviour modification is closely examined. It is seen that African folktales and folklore have embedded in them didactic lessons for character development and behavior modification. The universality of archetypes, as reflected in African folktales is considered significant for moral consciousness and rejuvenation. Arising from this study, some suggestions are made towards the amelioration of moral decay and degeneration of societal values. Such recommendations interalia, include the role of the home through parents, in instilling appropriate moral codes in their children from early childhood. Schools also have an important role to play, while the role of counselling psychologists cannot be overemphasized.