Describe the scenes in the pictures and suggest suitable songs or oral poems for each. Explain why people sing while working and identify examples of work songs.

Here are the answers to the questions based on the provided image:

Activity 1:

a) Describe what you see in the pictures.

• The first picture shows a herder with a staff, standing among a herd of cattle in an open, possibly savanna-like landscape, with trees in the background. The lighting suggests either sunrise or sunset.
• The second picture shows a group of four people (likely farmers) working in a field, each holding a hoe or similar farming tool. They appear to be engaged in agricultural labor, possibly weeding or preparing the soil.

b) What songs or oral poems would suit each task shown?

• For the first picture (herding cattle), a herding song or a praise poem for livestock would be suitable.
• For the second picture (farming), a planting song, weeding song, or harvest song would be appropriate.

Activity 2:

a) Why do you or other people sing while working?
People sing while working to coordinate effort, to keep rhythm during repetitive tasks, and to make the work feel less tiring or more enjoyable. It can also foster teamwork and a sense of community.

b) Which of the songs you know can be classified as work songs? Give reasons.

• Many traditional folk songs or sea shanties (e.g., "Drunken Sailor") are work songs because their strong rhythm and repetitive nature helped sailors coordinate tasks like hoisting sails or weighing anchor.
• Some gospel songs or spirituals sung during manual labor (e.g., "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot") can be work songs as they provided comfort, rhythm, and a sense of shared purpose during arduous tasks.
• Local farming songs or lullabies (if sung while performing repetitive tasks like grinding grain or weaving) can also be classified as work songs due to their rhythmic structure and ability to accompany and lighten the burden of labor.