Eweland's Adangbe: An Inquiry into an Oral Tradition

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Periodical article

Title:	Eweland's Adangbe: An Inquiry into an Oral Tradition
Author:	Sprigge, R.G.S.
Year:	1969
Periodical:	Transactions of the Historical Society of Ghana
Volume:	10
Pages:	87-128
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Togo
Subjects:	oral history Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Education and Oral Traditions
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/41406351
Abstract:	Adangbeland comprises the entirely Ghanaian section of West Africa composed of the seven 'traditional areas' or states of Ningo, Prampram, Ada, Shai, Osudbku, Yilo Krobo, Manya Krobo. The proper noun 'Adangbe' (or 'Adangme') currently denotes one of West Africa's languages, but at the same time also denotes one of West Africa's many farming communities, namely a town west of the river Haho, which with the surrounding farmlands constitutes a small Togolese section of West Africa of about 145 square kilometres. This latter area lies in the heart of Eweland (Adangbeland's easterly neighbour) and its population consists of Ewelanders. Examined is the coincidence of the same one term 'Adangbe' simultaneously denoting both a Ghanaian language and a Togolese community. This historical question is dealt with in this article, with focus on the origin of the Togolese Adangbe community. Attention is paid also to whether oral tradition or traditional history is really history. Bibl., notes.