Final answer:
Oral history is indeed fundamental in preserving African history because it served as the main source of historical information prior to European colonization, especially in the absence of widespread writing systems. Oral historians, or Griots, were essential in maintaining the cultural heritage and providing counternarratives to colonial misrepresentations.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that oral history plays a key role in preserving African history. Oral traditions, such as the recitations of official oral historians known as Griots, served as an invaluable source of historical data. Griots recited accounts of the past from Ancient Mali and Songhai, often accompanied by unique West African stringed instruments like the Kora and Ngoni. These narratives are crucial for understanding the region's history, particularly when written records are scarce due to the region's climate, size, diversity, and colonial past.
In many instances, oral traditions are the primary sources of historical information about Africa prior to European arrival. Griots recorded history through African poems, praise songs, and accounts of past events, providing continuity and a rich cultural heritage. What's more, the deliberate destruction of Indigenous writings by European conquerors in Latin America serves as a reminder that oral traditions serve as a counternarrative to colonial biases and help paint a more accurate picture of history.
In essence, these oral histories not only challenge the myth of the 'Dark Continent' put forth to justify slavery but also showcase the intellectual, technological, and economic advancements of African civilizations well before European interference. Thus, oral history remains a fundamental component for reconstructing a more nuanced and accurate historical narrative of Africa.