Journal of African Folklore and Oral Traditions

Beyond Written Autobiography: Toward an Akan Theory of Oral Autobiographical Voice in the Folktales of Kweku Ananse and Kweku Tsin

Independent peer-review report | PARJ Production Desk

Major Revision

1. Overall Summary

The manuscript proposes an innovative concept of Oral Autobiographical Voice within Akan oral tradition, but suffers from several scholarly integrity issues. Key claims lack supporting citations (e.g., Ricoeur), direct quotes from folktales are unsourced, and a promised discussion on gender is not delivered. Structural repetition and a missing methodological link between theory and analysis weaken the argument. These problems are repairable but require substantial revision.

2. Major Issues

Missing citation for Ricoeur's narrative identity theory (pdf-p0010-b0002); add reference to 'Oneself as Another' or 'Time and Narrative'.

Unsupported forward reference to gender and narrative authority (pdf-p0008-b0004); either add the promised discussion or remove the sentence.

Direct quote from folktale (pdf-p0010-b0004) lacks source; provide citation to specific published collection or field recording.

3. Minor Issues

Duplicate heading 'Methodology and Corpus' (pdf-p0006-b0006 and pdf-p0006-b0008); remove second occurrence.

Misplaced subtitle between duplicate headings (pdf-p0006-b0007); integrate into methodology section or delete.

Incomplete citation for Ong (pdf-p0005-b0002); provide full reference with edition and page numbers.

4. Questions for the Authors

How is the proposed 'Akan theory of Oral Autobiographical Voice' derived from the two folktales? Please clarify the methodological steps linking theory to analysis.

Are the folktale versions used (Radin's) the most appropriate for this analysis? Consider discussing potential variations in other collections.

How does the concept of Oral Autobiographical Voice differ from existing concepts in life-writing studies, such as 'communal autobiography' or 'performative identity'?

5. Required Changes

Add citations for Ricoeur and Ong, and source the folktale quote.

Remove duplicate heading and misplaced subtitle.

Either add the promised gender discussion or revise the forward reference.

Clarify the methodology in the abstract and introduction to show how the theory emerges from the analysis.

6. Decision Rationale

The manuscript has a strong conceptual foundation but lacks necessary citations and source support, undermining reproducibility and scholarly integrity. The missing gender discussion and methodological gap are significant but repairable. Major revision is appropriate.

PARJ Production Desk | Peer Review Report | 24 Jul 2026