The Twic East Dinka: South Sudan

By Adier Mach Deng

The Twic East Dinka, a sub-Dinka Nilotic community inhabiting South Sudan, have faced immense challenges over the past decades. Cycles of displacement caused by war, famine, and environmental degradation have fundamentally reshaped their social landscape. This book explores the multifaceted impact of these disruptions on the community's social structures, traditional beliefs, and, crucially, the preservation of their vibrant oral traditions. The narrative weaves together personal experiences with rigorous anthropological research, drawing on extensive fieldwork and the invaluable contributions of community elders. By analyzing the various forms of Twic songs - war songs (Tiip), religious hymns (Yaii), individual songs (Twaar, Waar, C ng, Ayakyak, Pi ny, K t, and women's songs), and anonymous songs (children's games and folklore) - we delve into the deeper significance of these oral expressions.

These songs are not mere entertainment; they are the repositories of history, cosmology, social values, and a unique world view. The book examines how these traditions have been impacted by displacement and the subsequent exposure to new cultures in refugee camps and urban settings. It highlights the tensions between preserving traditional beliefs and adapting to the influences of Christianity and globalization. A key theme is the emergence of diverse groups within the Twic East Dinka community, each grappling with its unique identity and the challenges of integrating tradition and modernity. We will investigate how the oral tradition, specifically through the analysis of songs, has acted as both a source of continuity and a catalyst for adaptation in the face of profound change.

The study also critically assesses previous scholarly work on the Twic East Dinka, aiming to correct past inaccuracies and offer a more nuanced understanding of their religious practices and social dynamics. The ultimate goal is to contribute to a richer and more complete understanding of the Twic East Dinka experience, their remarkable resilience, and the ongoing struggle to preserve their cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world. This work is an act of preservation, an effort to safeguard a vital piece of South Sudanese cultural history for future generations.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0DT3W7TWM
• ISBN13: 9798306880600
• Release Date: January 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 314 Pages
• Weight: 0.93 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"