African Literature

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Study of African literary traditions, genres, themes, and authors, including oral traditions, colonial and post-colonial literatures, and contemporary writing.

What is African literature?

"Examples of pre-colonial African literature can be traced back to at least the fourth century AD."

What is an example of pre-colonial African literature?

"The best-known is the Kebra Negast, or 'Book of Kings.'"

What was a common theme during the colonial period?

"A common theme during the colonial period is the slave narrative."

In which languages were the slave narratives often written?

"...often written in English or French for western audiences."

Which African literature piece gained significant worldwide critical acclaim in 1958?

"Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe, published in 1958."

What were the prevalent themes in African literature during the late colonial period?

"African literature in the late colonial period increasingly featured themes of liberation and independence."

What is one characteristic of post-colonial African literature?

"Post-colonial literature has become increasingly diverse."

What language do some writers return to in post-colonial African literature?

"Some writers returning to their native languages."

What are common themes in post-colonial African literature?

"Common themes include the clash between past and present, tradition and modernity, self and community, as well as politics and development."

How has the representation of female writers changed in African literature?

"Female writers are today far better represented in African literature than they were prior to independence."

How has the internet influenced African literature?

"The internet has also changed the landscape of African literature..."

What impact has the internet had on reading and publishing platforms?

"...leading to the rise of digital reading and publishing platforms such as OkadaBooks."

When can examples of pre-colonial African literature be traced back to?

"Examples of pre-colonial African literature can be traced back to at least the fourth century AD."

Which book is considered the best-known pre-colonial African literature?

"The best-known is the Kebra Negast, or 'Book of Kings.'"

In which period did African literature feature themes of liberation and independence?

"African literature in the late colonial period increasingly featured themes of liberation and independence."

What was the title of the influential African literature published in 1958?

"Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe, published in 1958."

What are some common themes in post-colonial African literature?

"Common themes include the clash between past and present, tradition and modernity, self and community, as well as politics and development."

How has the representation of female writers in African literature changed over time?

"Female writers are today far better represented in African literature than they were prior to independence."

How has the internet impacted African literature?

"The internet has also changed the landscape of African literature..."

What are some examples of digital reading and publishing platforms in African literature?

"...leading to the rise of digital reading and publishing platforms such as OkadaBooks."