ORALITY, ORAL PRACTICES AND CHRISTIAN WORSHIP IN WEST AFRICANCULTURES

In West African countries, despite Western education, oral culture still exists, and it is more prevalent in some societies within the region. Oral tradition has been one of the means by which some West African people educate, instruct, and worship. Christian worship services are conducted virtually in oral form in many indigenous churches across the region. This study demonstrates that authentic Christian worship is not made possible only through written materials. Many West African Christians are able to express their faith and worship without being able to read and write. The study examines some of the characteristics of Christian worship done without much use of written materials. It highlights some of the problems and benefits of oral communication in Christian worship.