Investigating the Role of Hausa Folktales in Socialisation Among Children in Sokoto State

Folktales have long served as primary instruments of socialisation in Hausa communities, transmitting cultural norms, ethical values, and social expectations to younger generations through narrative. This study investigates the role of Hausa folktales in the socialisation of children in Sokoto State, examining the themes embedded in folktales and their perceived influence on children's behaviour and worldview. A qualitative research design was adopted, employing in-depth interviews with 25 parents, grandparents, and primary school teachers across three local government areas in Sokoto. A collection of 40 folktales was also gathered through oral recording and transcription during community storytelling sessions. The collected narratives were analysed thematically, focusing on recurring moral lessons, gender role representations, and depictions of community life. Observations of storytelling sessions in domestic and school settings supplemented the interview data. Findings indicate that folktales emphasising respect for elders, communal cooperation, and the consequences of dishonesty are most commonly shared with children, though modern entertainment media is progressively displacing oral storytelling in urban households. Female characters in sampled folktales are predominantly portrayed in domestic roles, raising questions about the socialisation implications for girls' aspirations. The study recommends that Hausa folktale repositories be developed at state educational institutions and that teachers be trained to incorporate them into social studies and Hausa language lessons. Keywords: Hausa folktales, Socialisation, Children, Sokoto, Oral narrative.