book chapter

Work, play and learning in a Kpelle town

Xerox University MicrofilmsAnn Arbor, Michigan • Published In 1984 • Pages:

By: Lancy, David F..

Abstract
The primary objective of this dissertation is to : 'describe and analyze the recurrent patterns of learning that are typical of Kpelle culture'. In order to accomplish this goal the author has limited his investigation to the study of a group of children (chiefly in the age range of 6-13) in the town of Gbarngasuakwelle, a community about 4 miles from the Guinea border and 175 miles northeast of Monrovia. The author's detailed analysis of his data presents to the researcher a clear picture of how children acquire the social roles, work skills and ethos of their parents through their work and play activities. In this regard, Lancy also notes that the interaction of work and play serves as two separate but interdependent parts of the child's learning environment. In the description of the various work and play activities outlined in the text, there is considerable information on native concepts of work, division of labor, education (both formal and informal), children's games, music, proverbs, stories and songs. The thread of ever-increasing acculturation runs throughout the text.
culture
Kpelle
HRAF PubDate
2019
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Western Africa
Document Type
book chapter
Evaluation
Creator Type
Educator
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; 1985
Field Date
1968-1969
Notes
David F. Lancy
Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Pittsburgh, 1974
UM 75-13,223
Includes bibliographical references
The plates (p. 361 ff.) frequently referred to in the document have not been reproduced.
LCSH
Kpelle (African people)