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Nigeria's free digital learning hub. Videos, lecture notes, practice questions and leaderboards aligned with CCMAS, NBTE, NCCE, WAEC, NECO, IJMB and JAMB curricula.
Mass Communication · 100 Level
This is the complete lecture note for MCM 106 African Communication Systems., prepared for Mass Communication students at 100 Level. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Course code: MCM 106 Course title: African Communication Systems Course credit load: 2 Units Series 1: Foundations of African Communication Systems Series Outline Part 1 (1.1): Concept and Scope of African Communication Systems 1.1.1 Definition of African Communication Systems 1.1.2 Historical Background and Evolution 1.1.3 Distinction between Traditional and Modern Systems Part 2 (1.2): Structure and Forms of African Communication Systems 1.2.1 Oral Traditions as Communication Structures 1.2.2 Symbolic and Non-verbal Forms 1.2.3 Community-based Structures Part 3 (1.3): Content and Functions of African Communication Systems 1.3.1 Communicative Functions in Society 1.3.2 Role in Governance and Political Culture 1.3.3 Social Cohesion and Cultural Identity Part 4 (1.4): Relevance of African Communication Systems in Contemporary Society 1.4.1 Influence on Modern Mass Media 1.4.2 Adaptation to Political and Social Change 1.4.3 Continuing Importance in Local Communities Introduction Communication has always been central to human existence, shaping how societies organise themselves, preserve culture, and transmit knowledge across generations. In Africa, traditional communication systems developed long before modern mass media, serving as vital tools for governance, social cohesion, and cultural identity. These systems, rooted in oral traditions and symbolic practices, remain relevant today as they continue to influence contemporary communication patterns. The aim of this Series is to introduce you to the foundations of African communication systems, enabling you to define their scope, examine their structures and forms, and analyse their functions and relevance in both traditional and modern contexts.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS We shall commence this Series by exploring the concept and scope of African communication systems, focusing on their definitions, historical background, and distinctions from modern systems. Next, we will examine their structures and forms, including oral traditions, symbolic expressions, and community-based practices. Following that, we will analyse the content and functions of these systems, considering their role in governance, political culture, and social identity. Finally, we will conclude by evaluating their relevance in contemporary society, highlighting their influence on modern mass media and their continuing importance in African communities. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: SLO 1.1 define African communication systems, SLO 1.2 explain the historical background and evolution of African communication systems, SLO 1.3 distinguish between traditional and modern communication systems in Africa, SLO 1.4 describe the structures and forms of African communication systems, SLO 1.5 analyse the communicative functions of African communication systems in society, SLO 1.6 evaluate the relevance of African communication systems in contemporary African society. 1.1 Concept And Scope Of African Communication Systems 1.1.1 Definition of African Communication Systems African communication systems are the traditional and indigenous methods through which communities in Africa transmit information, share knowledge, and maintain social order. These systems are rooted in oral traditions, symbolic practices, and communal structures, and they predate modern mass media. They are not merely about passing messages but also about reinforcing cultural identity and values. Key features of African communication systems include their oral nature, reliance on community participation, and integration with cultural practices such as festivals, rituals, and storytelling.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Diagram showing oral communication flow in a traditional African community. Figure 1.1 Flow of oral communication in African communities Fill in the blank: African communication systems are primarily rooted in ______ traditions. 1.1.2 Historical background and evolution The history of African communication systems stretches back to precolonial times when communities relied on oral traditions, symbolic signs, and communal gatherings to share information. Storytelling, proverbs, and songs were used to transmit wisdom across generations. Drums, horns, and other instruments served as long-distance communication tools, signalling warnings, celebrations, or calls to assembly. Over time, these systems evolved to incorporate influences from colonial encounters and modernisation. While modern mass media introduced new channels such as radio and television, traditional systems continued to thrive, often blending with modern practices. Examples from different regions include the use of talking drums in West Africa, town criers in Igbo communities, and praise singers in Southern Africa.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Fill in the blank: In West Africa, the ______ drum was used as a long-distance communication tool. 1.1.3 Distinction between traditional and modern systems Traditional African communication systems differ from modern systems in several ways. Traditional systems are community-based, oral, and participatory, whereas modern systems are often individualised, technologically driven, and mass-oriented. For instance, a town crier delivering messages in a village represents a communal and face-to-face approach, while a radio broadcast represents a one-to-many technological approach. Despite these differences, both systems aim to inform, educate, and unify people. Comparison of traditional and modern systems can be summarised as follows: Table 1.1 Comparison of traditional and modern communication systems Feature Traditional Systems (Indigenous/Oramedia) Modern Systems (Exogenous/Mass Media) Core Philosophy Communal: Information is shared for collective harmony and cultural preservation. Individualised: Information is often consumed privately; focuses on personal choice/utility. Primary Mode Oral & Symbolic: Relies on word-of-mouth, drums, songs, and non-verbal icons. Technological: Relies on digital signals, print, internet, and electronics. Audience Homogeneous: Small, local groups sharing the same language and customs. Mass-Oriented: Large, heterogeneous, and geographically dispersed audiences. Control Society-Owned: Leadership (e.g., Chiefs, Town Criers) acts as a trustee for the community. Institution-Owned: Controlled by corporations, the state, or private media conglomerates. Feedback Instant & Direct: High interactivity; the audience can respond immediately (e.g., during a story). Delayed or Mediated: Feedback comes via comments, ratings, or polls, often with a time lag.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Feature Traditional Systems (Indigenous/Oramedia) Modern Systems (Exogenous/Mass Media) Credibility High (Local): Trusted because the source is known personally and rooted in shared values. Varies (Skepticism): Often viewed with caution or as "propaganda" by rural populations. Cost of Access Low (Social): Access is determined by social status, age, or membership in a group. High (Economic): Requires data, electricity, devices, or subscriptions. Storage Human Memory: Records are kept through oral tradition, myths, and legends. Digital/Physical: Records are stored in databases, archives, and cloud servers. Table comparing features of traditional vs modern African communication systems. Fill in the blank: Traditional African communication systems are largely ______-based, while modern systems are technologically driven. Pilot questions 1.1 What are African communication systems, and how are they defined? What are the key features of African communication systems? Describe the historical background and evolution of African communication systems. Give examples of traditional communication practices from different African regions. What are the main distinctions between traditional and modern communication systems? 1.2 Structure And Forms Of African Communication Systems 1.2.1 Oral traditions as communication structures Oral traditions are spoken forms of communication passed down through generations. They include storytelling, proverbs, songs, chants, and folktales. Oral traditions serve as a living archive of cultural values, history, and collective wisdom. They are participatory, often involving audiences who respond, repeat, or add to the narrative. Fill in the blank: Oral traditions serve as a living ______ of cultural values and history.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.2.2 Symbolic and non-verbal forms Symbolic communication refers to the use of signs, objects, or actions to convey meaning. Examples include the use of colours, dress codes, or gestures to signify status, authority, or emotion. Non-verbal communication involves facial expressions, body language, and physical symbols such as carvings or masks. These forms are powerful because they often communicate messages without words, yet are widely understood within the community. Image showing African masks used in symbolic communication. Plate 1.2 African masks as symbolic communication tools Fill in the blank: Non-verbal communication often conveys messages without the use of ______.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.2.3 Community-based structures Community-based structures include gatherings such as village assemblies, family meetings, and festivals. These structures provide platforms for collective decision-making, dispute resolution, and dissemination of information. They reinforce unity and ensure that communication is inclusive and participatory. Fill in the blank: Community-based structures reinforce ______ and ensure inclusive communication. Pilot questions 1.2 What are oral traditions, and how do they function as communication structures? Give examples of symbolic and non-verbal forms of communication in African societies. How do community-based structures support communication in African communities? Why are oral traditions considered participatory? What role do festivals and assemblies play in African communication systems? 1.3 Content And Functions Of African Communication Systems 1.3.1 Communicative functions in society African communication systems perform several functions, including informing, educating, entertaining, and mobilising communities. They help transmit cultural values, warn of danger, and celebrate achievements. These functions ensure that communication is not only practical but also deeply cultural. Fill in the blank: African communication systems help to inform, educate, entertain, and ______ communities. 1.3.2 Role in governance and political culture Traditional communication systems play a vital role in governance. Village assemblies, town criers, and
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