How did Epeli Hau’ofa incorporate oral storytelling into Tales of the Tikongs?

In Tales of the Tikongs (1983), Epeli Hau‘ofa incorporates oral storytelling by integrating a variety of traditional and informal oral forms into his written work. Specifically, he utilizes anecdotes, jokes, risqué tales, and tall tales to bridge the gap between oral tradition and modern short fiction.1

By drawing on these diverse narrative modes, Hau‘ofa reflects the influence of oral traditions on modern Oceanic literature, moving away from the idea of a culturally cohesive society to explore the complexities and tensions of contemporary life. His work exemplifies the broader movement among Pacific writers to write from an "insider" perspective, ensuring that the literature remains authentic to the culture and consciousness of the local people.12