The indigenous language of a people is the
most accepted medium of communication. It enshrines
and translates the peoples’ life (culture) as domesticated
in their norms, values and morals. Adopting the
functional perspective to sociological studies, this paper
aims at x-raying the values of folktales (Igbo Folktale),
for the formation of well behaved, self- reliable,
accommodating, responsible and responsive individuals
for progress and harmonious communal existence.
These virtues which form the bases for training in the
society are encapsulated in the people’s folktales shared
commonly at family and communal leisure times.
Folktale as a genre of oral literature is built into written
literature courses in schools. However, modernity,
development and quest for greener pasture deny people
of the opportunity to enjoy the leisure for cultural
learning / training avenues. Schools are no longer
performing the expected role. Hence, these cultural
virtues are left hanging in the balance. This study
therefore tends to illustrate the rich availability of the
virtues necessary for national integration with the
analysis of three Igbo folktales. Deductions from these
folktales confirm the richness of societal values. It
concludes by underlining the need for the reintroduction of indigenous language study and folktale
in schools
Keywords : Integration, Folktale, Language, Igbo Language.