Communication by Non-Humans : The Case of the �Talking Drum� in the Bokossi Community

Abstract

As an aftermath of globalization and also as a response to the call of the UNESCO to preserve our languages and cultures as part of the intangible heritage for humanity, many African countries have become keenly aware of the need to document their languages and cultures. The knowledge of such cultures can fully give a strong basis to African future generations to propose better legal practices for Africans that are rooted in their own cultures. It is in line with this that the present paper seeks to document one of the traditional practices of the Bakossi people who make use of the talking drum to exchange various messages. The paper explores different usages of the talking drum by the Bakossi people and shows that it is indeed a means of communication within their community.