The academic discourse on African postcolonial literature is characterized by a continuous process of debates on a variety of issues, reassessments of theories and redefinitions of terms. The term African postcolonial literature refers to writings produced after the political independence of various African states which were formerly subject to European colonial rule. Most of this literature written by African authors in their home countries or in diaspora deals with issues of colonial experience or decolonization. However, as Graham Huggan points out, the term African literature is a problematic concept, because “it conveys a fiction of homogeneity” and ignores the cultural variety existing on the African continent.
Gikandi explains that the foundations of modern African literature have been laid by the process of colonization, e.g through education in Christian schools which have enabled today’s forms of literature. Gikandi emphasizes the irony of this fact: “[W]hile the majority of African writers were the products of colonial institutions, they turned to writing to oppose colonialism.” This leads to various problems when dealing with African writings, especially when applying the viewpoint of postcolonial criticism, which has been trying to theorize African writings since the 1980s. As Huggan points out, postcolonial criticism has been criticized “as subscribing to the very binaries (e.g. ‘Europe and its Others’) it seeks to resist.”
This paper contains an annotated bibliography which considers various issues regarding African postcolonial literature that have been discussed in the past 20 years. Here, the term African postcolonial literature is understood in a temporal way (referring to the postcolonial era in Africa) and in an academic way (referring to the postcolonial discourse). The articles, collections of essays and monographs listed in the bibliography only provide glimpses at the extensive and elaborate discourses on African postcolonial writings. However, the entries in the bibliography have been categorized in order to cast a light on the main issues and problems discussed in this field. In the following, introductory works and texts dealing with the two main genres of African literature will be presented first. Works referring to postcolonial theory and consequential problems and debates (e.g. on language) take the major part of the bibliography.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Introductions to and Overviews of African Literature
- 3. Genres in African Literature
- 3.1 The African Novel
- 3.2 African Poetry
- 4. African Literature as a Subject of Literary and Cultural Studies
- 4.1 African Literary Theories
- 4.2 Weaknesses of Postcolonial Theory in the Context of African Writing
- 4.2.1 Patronage and the Cultural Binary
- 4.2.2 Problems Related to Eurocentric Criticism of African Literature
- 4.3 Suggested Solutions
- 5. Questions of Language
- 5.1 Language in African Writing
- 5.2 Oral Forms of Literature
- 6. New Directions in African Literature
- 6.1 Female African Writers and Issues of Gender
- 6.2 Globalization and Postcolonialism
- 6.3 African Literature in the 21st Century
Objectives and Key Themes
This annotated bibliography aims to examine the academic discourse surrounding African postcolonial literature over the past twenty years. It explores the evolving debates, theoretical reassessments, and redefinitions of terms within this field. The bibliography focuses on key issues and problems discussed, offering a structured overview of the main themes prevalent in scholarly work on the topic.
- The evolution of African literature and its relationship to colonialism and decolonization.
- The challenges and complexities of applying postcolonial theory to African writing.
- The role of language in African literature, including the use of oral traditions.
- The diverse genres of African literature, with a focus on the novel and poetry.
- Emerging trends and new directions in African literature, such as the contributions of female writers and the impact of globalization.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting the ongoing debates and evolving theoretical landscape within the study of African postcolonial literature. It defines the scope of "African postcolonial literature," acknowledging the inherent complexities and challenges in defining such a broad term. The introduction emphasizes the problematic nature of the term "African literature" due to its potential to overlook the continent's rich cultural diversity. It also points out the irony of African writers using colonial institutions and education systems to oppose colonialism, leading to ongoing issues in applying postcolonial theory. The chapter establishes the bibliography's focus on the past 20 years of academic discourse and its organization according to key thematic areas, reflecting the intersections and multidisciplinary nature of the field.
2. Introductions to and Overviews of African Literature: This chapter presents a selection of introductory works and overviews that provide foundational context for understanding African literature. It examines how various authors approach the complexities of defining and categorizing African literature, highlighting the diverse traditions and historical influences at play. The included texts, such as Gikandi's encyclopedia and O'Reilly's work, emphasize the historical context of colonization, the ethnic diversity of the continent, and the dismantling of myths about African inferiority as central themes in modern African writing. Griffiths's work, focusing on English-language literature, acknowledges the limitations of a Eurocentric perspective and emphasizes the importance of including previously overlooked voices. This chapter lays the groundwork for a more nuanced understanding of the field.
3. Genres in African Literature: This section explores the dominant genres within African literature. While the provided text focuses specifically on the African novel, the analysis of the included works suggests a broader discussion of the interplay between global and local influences in shaping literary production. Griswold's work on Nigerian novelists, for instance, highlights the complex relationship between international publishing and the local literary scene, illustrating the transnational nature of cultural production. The analysis goes beyond simple genre classification to reveal how the form and content of African literature reflect and respond to the unique socio-political context of the continent.
Keywords
African postcolonial literature, postcolonial theory, African literary theories, African novel, African poetry, language in African writing, oral traditions, gender, globalization, decolonization, cultural diversity, Eurocentric criticism, patronage.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Guide to African Postcolonial Literature
What is the main focus of this annotated bibliography?
This annotated bibliography examines the academic discourse surrounding African postcolonial literature over the past twenty years. It explores evolving debates, theoretical reassessments, and redefinitions of terms within this field, focusing on key issues and problems and offering a structured overview of prevalent themes.
What are the key themes explored in the bibliography?
Key themes include the evolution of African literature and its relationship to colonialism and decolonization; the challenges and complexities of applying postcolonial theory to African writing; the role of language in African literature, including oral traditions; the diverse genres of African literature (focusing on the novel and poetry); and emerging trends and new directions, such as the contributions of female writers and the impact of globalization.
What are the limitations of applying postcolonial theory to African writing?
The bibliography highlights the challenges and complexities of applying postcolonial theory to African writing, including the problematic nature of the term "African literature" itself due to its potential to overlook the continent's rich cultural diversity. It also points out the irony of African writers using colonial institutions and education systems to oppose colonialism, leading to ongoing issues in applying postcolonial theory. Specific problems like patronage and the cultural binary, and problems related to Eurocentric criticism are discussed.
What is the significance of language in African literature?
The bibliography emphasizes the crucial role of language in African literature. It explores how language reflects and shapes cultural identities, and it considers the significance of oral traditions in shaping literary expression. The use of different languages and the interplay between oral and written forms are discussed.
What genres of African literature are covered?
The bibliography explores dominant genres within African literature, with a particular focus on the African novel and African poetry. It analyzes how these genres reflect and respond to the unique socio-political context of the continent, highlighting the interplay between global and local influences.
What are some emerging trends in African literature?
The bibliography examines emerging trends, including the significant contributions of female African writers and the impact of globalization on the literary landscape. It also looks at the evolution of African literature in the 21st century.
What are some suggested solutions to the weaknesses of postcolonial theory when applied to African literature?
While specific solutions aren't explicitly detailed in the provided summary, the bibliography implicitly suggests a need for more nuanced and inclusive approaches to analyzing African literature, acknowledging the continent's cultural diversity and moving beyond Eurocentric perspectives.
What is the structure of the bibliography?
The bibliography is structured around key thematic areas, reflecting the intersections and multidisciplinary nature of the field. It includes an introduction, chapters on introductions to and overviews of African literature, genres in African literature, African literature as a subject of literary and cultural studies (including African Literary Theories and critiques of Postcolonial Theory), questions of language, and new directions in African literature.
What is the time period covered by this bibliography?
The bibliography focuses on the academic discourse surrounding African postcolonial literature over the past twenty years.
What are some key works or authors mentioned in the bibliography?
While specific titles aren't fully listed, the summary mentions works by authors like Gikandi, O'Reilly, and Griffiths, and references to works focusing on Nigerian novelists and the impact of international publishing on the local literary scene. These provide examples of the kinds of scholarship included.
- Citar trabajo
- Anna Poppen (Autor), 2012, Academic Discourses on African Postcolonial Literature in the Past 20 Years, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/278565
