CAO's assertion below got me thinking.
What are "African ingredients"? When is Literature, African Literature and when is it not? Is African Literature always and inevitably defined by the writer, geography, history, the subject (African experience), or one or a combination of the above? Is this the same for Asian, American. European, and South American Literature? Is West Indian Literature African literature? Would a literary work by and African (by origin) on European life/experience be African or European Literature? Basil Davidson was not African by origin but is acknowledged by many as a pioneer of African History.
What is English literature for example? Is it literature in the English language? Is it literature by an English writer? Is it literature on the English experience? Is literature by a Tunisian writer, Arab or African literature or both? Is everyone on the same page on what African Literature is, should be, or is believed to be?
If the writings of William Shakespeare are English first then European Literature as many English people believe them to be, are the books of the Bible and the Koran therefore Hebrew/Jewish and Arab/Arabian Literature respectively? Shakespeare's subject/theme I remind us, was not always English. Was he therefore writing English literature as some characterize him? Would Shakespeare agree with this characterization? The Bible and Koran's purpose/themes are recognized as universal today but they were originally insular.
Achebe said himself that in writing "Things Fall Apart", he felt compelled to tell Africa's story from the African perspective. He chose to write in the English language because he sought to reach the widest possible audience. He was right we now know. Is Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" English literature or African Literature or both? Some who wish to undermine the greatness of the man and his work say African Literature. I would say it is World Literature.
From: usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com [mailto:usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Chidi Anthony Opara
Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2014 4:27 AM
To: usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com
Cc: USAAfricaDialogue@googlegroups.com
Subject: USA Africa Dialogue Series - Re: How Achebe Ruined African Literature
Literary productions without adequate African ingredients cannot be called African Literature, even if the producers are of African descent.
CAO.
On Monday, 31 March 2014 15:50:07 UTC+1, funmiara wrote:
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I detest the so-called experts not versed in African Literature and are shunning out ideas on the issue. African lit encompasses Oral literature, writers from all over the CONTINENT, etc.
African Literature is not ONLY about Teju Cole, Taiye Selasi, NoViolet Bulawayo, Chimamanda Adichie, etc, African literature includes Helen Oyeyemi, Aminatta Forna, Dinah Mengestu, Alain Mabackou, Assia Djebar, Mariama Ba, Oyono, Ngugi Wa Thiong''o, and more from all over the CONTINENT.
We should avoid living in a bowl.
Funmi Tofowomo Okelola
-In the absence of greatness, mediocrity thrives.
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