history and characteristics of African literature

Summary

This script explores the complexities of defining African literature, with its rich history dating back to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and blending with Arabic and European influences. It discusses the impact of colonization and the African Diaspora on literary themes, highlighting the emergence of written literature in the 19th and 20th centuries. The script emphasizes the broad scope of African literature, its roots in oral tradition, and its evolution into various forms, including slave narratives and protest literature, with a focus on the works of authors like Chinua Achebe.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The concept of 'being European' or 'African' is complex due to the diversity within these continents, including different countries, cultures, and histories.
• 📚 Defining African literature is challenging because of the vast number of nations and languages, with opinions varying on whether it should be written in African languages or any language by African authors.
• 📜 African literature has ancient roots, tracing back to Egyptian hieroglyphs and Arabic poetry, which influenced the development of a unique literary form.
• 🌐 The blending of African, Arabic, and European cultures contributed to the rich tapestry of African literature.
• 🏰 Colonization had a profound impact on African literature, with themes of exploitation, slavery, and the African Diaspora being central to many works.
• 📖 The development of written literature in sub-Saharan Africa was influenced by missionaries who established language schools and translated religious texts.
• 📚 Post-1950s African literature gained global recognition, with works like 'Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe becoming particularly influential.
• 🎭 African literature is characterized by its broad scope, being written in both English and African languages for diverse audiences.
• 🗣️ It has deep roots in oral tradition, with early writings often telling folktales and legends that carry cultural guidance and history.
• 📰 The medium of African literature expanded over time to include various forms such as newspapers, hymns, poetry, fiction, and autobiographies.
• ✍️ 20th-century African literature was marked by themes of protest, with authors like Othman sim ban Ola sinka and Chinua Achebe writing about the desire for independence and African pride.

Q & A

What is the significance of the question 'What does it mean to be human?' in the context of the script?

The question 'What does it mean to be human?' is used to initiate a broader discussion on the shared human experiences and to transition into a more specific exploration of what it means to be European, highlighting the complexity of defining a collective identity.

Why is defining African literature considered complicated?

Defining African literature is complicated due to the diversity of the continent, with 54 nations each having distinct histories, cultures, tribes, and traditions. There is debate over whether African literature should only be composed in African languages or can also be in any language by authors from Africa.

What are the origins of African literature mentioned in the script?

The origins of African literature date back thousands of years to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, which later influenced Arabic poetry and spread through Egypt and western Africa during various conquests.

How did colonization impact the themes of African literature?

Colonization, which involved the exploitation of indigenous people and resources, led to themes of protest and calls for independence in African literature, reflecting the general feeling of African pride and hope for the future.

What is the African Diaspora, and how did it affect African literature?

The African Diaspora refers to the forced spread of African people to Western countries due to slavery, which had a profound impact on African literature by influencing themes and the experiences of those displaced.

How did the arrival of missionaries contribute to the development of written literature in sub-Saharan Africa?

Missionaries coming to Africa to build churches and language schools facilitated the development of written literature by translating religious texts, leading to Africans writing in both European and indigenous languages.

What are some of the prevalent forms of expression in African literature?

African literature encompasses a wide range of expressions, including oral traditions, folktales, newspapers, hymns, romance, epic poetry, fictional narratives, plays, diaries, philosophy, biography, and autobiography.

Can you provide an example of a slave narrative in African literature?

An example of a slave narrative is 'The Interesting Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African,' published in 1789, which provided a vivid account of the slave trade.

What is the significance of the 1950s in the context of African literature?

The 1950s marked a significant period for African literature, with the emergence of notable works that contributed to the understanding of African identity and the critique of colonialism, such as 'Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe.

What are some of the themes that dominate 20th-century African literature?

Themes of protest against colonization and the call for independence dominate 20th-century African literature, with a focus on capturing and communicating African pride in their past and hope for the future.