The Role of English in Adichie’s Postcolonial Writing

Essay , 2022 , 6 Pages , Grade: 2,3

English Language and Literature Studies - Literature

Postcolonialism is a literary theory to critically examine development, conditions and consequences of the experience of modern colonialism. The term has been introduced in the middle of the 20th century and has both a chronological, as well as a critical meaning. It asks about the representation of unequal political power relations in literature, art, popular media and science as well as about their consequences among individuals and between social groups (cf. Stearns 2008). African postcolonial literature refers to works written after the “political independence of various African states which were formerly subject to European colonial rule.” (Poppen 2012). An issue that arises frequently is the use of English in African literature since the language was introduced violently by English colonizers during the era of colonialism. In this essay, the role of the English language in African Anglophone works will be examined. As a postcolonial text, the short story “Checking out” by the Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie shows the connection between language change and identity loss of African immigrants after colonialism.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• The role of English in Adichie's Postcolonial Writing
• Language Plays a Huge Role Regarding Identity and Culture
• Obinze Faces a Drastic Loss of his Identity Throughout the Story
• Coming from the Igbo Country of Eastern Nigeria Herself, the Author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Uses the English Language in Her Writing to Express Herself, Like Achebe
• Obinze's Journey Shows His Inseparable Connection Between Language Change, Multilingualism and Identity Issues

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay examines the role of the English language in African Anglophone works, focusing on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's short story "Checking out". It explores the connection between language change and identity loss of African immigrants after colonialism.

• The use of English in African literature and its impact on identity
• The relationship between language, identity, and cultural belonging
• The consequences of colonialism and its enduring effects on African societies
• The power dynamics between Western countries and formerly colonized nations
• The importance of multilingualism and education in fostering intercultural understanding

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• The essay begins by introducing postcolonialism as a literary theory and its relevance to understanding African literature. It highlights the use of English in African Anglophone works as a consequence of colonialism and its impact on identity.
• The analysis focuses on Adichie's "Checking out", examining the character Obinze's experiences as a Nigerian immigrant in England. The essay explores how Obinze's use of language shifts from British English to Nigerian English and finally Igbo, reflecting a journey back to his cultural roots.
• The essay then examines the impact of language change on Obinze's identity. His constant fear of being discovered and his struggle to navigate between his Nigerian identity and his adopted British persona are analyzed, highlighting the consequences of colonialism and its influence on personal agency.
• The author's own perspective on the use of English in African writing is discussed, emphasizing the need for African stories to be told in the language of choice of the author.
• The essay concludes with a broader discussion on the importance of multilingualism and education in fostering intercultural understanding. It highlights the need for continued awareness about the ongoing issues of deportation and immigration, acknowledging the power dynamics that still exist between Western countries and formerly colonized nations.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This preview focuses on the themes of postcolonialism, language, identity, cultural belonging, colonialism, immigration, deportation, multilingualism, education, and African literature. It examines the use of English in African Anglophone works, particularly Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's "Checking out" as a case study. The essay explores the connection between language change and identity loss, highlighting the enduring consequences of colonialism and the importance of multilingualism in fostering intercultural understanding.

• College: University of Münster
• Course: Multilingualism and Translation in Anglophone Texts
• Grade: 2,3
• Author: Frida Gastler (Author)
• Publication Year: 2022
• Pages: 6
• Catalog Number: V1247311
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346677334
• Language: English
• Tags: postcolonial writing, postcolonial, adichie, Ngugi wa thiong'o