Shobdo as a Social and Cultural Force:

An Analysis of Oromo Oral Literature and Community Practice

Abstract

This study examines Shobdo, a traditional Oromo folksong performed during communal labor, as a medium for reinforcing social bonds, preserving cultural values, and transmitting knowledge within the Oromo community. Employing qualitative methods, including interviews and participant observation, the research highlights Shobdo’s role in fostering communal unity, shaping gender dynamics, and serving as an informal educational tool. Thematic analysis reveals that Shobdo is not merely a song but a complex and symbolic ritual that strengthens community ties and affirms Oromo identity. The study concludes by underscoring Shobdo’ s cultural significance, calling for its preservation, and recommending further research on its adaptation in contemporary contexts.