Opening and closing formulae in Tswana folktales: A structural and functional analysis

Abstract

Opening and closing formulae are acknowledged by many research workers and specialists of folktales. It is therefore a pity that although most researchers have recognized it, here is a tendency to neglect the layout of the structure and the functions played by the formulae. In this discussion attention will be paid to the structure and the various functions of the formulae, because the opening and closing formulae, as a unity, constitute one of the main structural features of folktales.