AFRICA

•THE SECOND LARGEST

CONTINENT AFTER
ASIA. IT SEPARATED
FROM ASIA BY SUEZ
CANAL, THE GULF OF
SAEZ, AND THE RED
SEA .
LITERATURE
AFRICAN LITERATURE is a
diverse and rich literary
tradition that encompasses a
wide range of characteristics
and features.
Here are some key characteristics
of African literature:
•ORAL TRADITION: Much of African literature has
its roots in oral tradition, where stories, myths, and
histories were passed down through generations via
spoken word. This has influenced the narrative style
and storytelling techniques in African literature.
• MULTILINGUALISM: Africa is linguistically diverse, with
thousands of languages spoken across the continent.
African literature reflects this diversity, often
incorporating multiple languages, dialects, and
linguistic elements into its works.

• CULTURAL DIVERSITY: African literature celebrates

the diverse cultures, traditions, and experiences of the
continent's many ethnic groups. It explores themes
related to identity, heritage, and the clash of modernity
with tradition.
• POSTCOLONIAL THEMES: Much of African literature emerged in
the postcolonial era, addressing themes of colonialism, imperialism,
and the struggle for independence. It explores the impact of
colonialism on African societies and the quest for cultural and
political autonomy.
• SOCIAL AND POLITICAL COMMENTARY: AFRICAN LITERATURE
FREQUENTLY ENGAGES WITH CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL AND POLITICAL
ISSUES, SUCH AS GOVERNANCE, CORRUPTION, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND
SOCIOECONOMIC DISPARITIES. IT SERVES AS A PLATFORM FOR ACTIVISM
AND CRITIQUE.
 • MAGICAL REALISM AND FOLKLORE: African literature often
incorporates elements of magical realism, folklore, and
mythology, blurring the lines between reality and the
supernatural. These elements add depth and symbolism to
the storytelling.
• . STRONG SENSE OF PLACE: African literature is deeply
rooted in its geographical settings. Authors often vividly
describe the landscapes, environments, and urban spaces of
Africa, creating a strong sense of place in their narratives.
• MAGICAL REALISM AND FOLKLORE: African literature often
incorporates elements of magical realism, folklore, and
mythology, blurring the lines between reality and the
supernatural. These elements add depth and symbolism to
the storytelling.
• STRONG SENSE OF PLACE: African literature is deeply rooted
in its geographical settings. Authors often vividly describe
the landscapes, environments, and urban spaces of Africa,
creating a strong sense of place in their narratives.
• DYNAMIC STORYTELLING: African literature employs diverse
narrative styles and storytelling techniques, including
allegory, allegorical storytelling, and nonlinear narratives. It
encourages creative experimentation with form and
structure.
• GENDER AND FEMINISM: Many African writers explore issues
related to gender, feminism, and the role of women in
society, shedding light on the complexities of gender
dynamics in Africa.
• GLOBAL INFLUENCE: African literature has gained
international recognition and influence, with works by
authors like chinua achebe, wole soyinka,
chimamanda ngozi adichie, and ngũgĩ wa thiong'o
being celebrated worldwide.
 FORM OF AFRICAN LITERATURE
INCLUDES HYMNS, ROMANCE, EPIC,
POETRY, FICTIONAL NARRATIVE, EPISTLES,
DIARIES, PHILOSOPHY, BIOGRAPHY, AND
AUTOBIOGRAPHY
 TYPES OF AFRICAN LITERATURE
• ORAL LITERATURE:* This is the oldest form of African literature,
consisting of spoken stories, myths, legends, and oral histories passed
down through generations. Griots, storytellers, and oral poets play a
crucial role in preserving and transmitting these narratives
• *FICTION: African fiction includes novels and short stories that explore a
wide range of themes, from postcolonial identity to contemporary social
issues. Authors like Chinua Achebe, Ngũgĩ Wa Thiong'o, And
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie are known for their influential African
novels.
• POETRY: African poets use verse to express their thoughts, emotions,
and social commentary. The poetry may be traditional, contemporary,
or influenced by oral traditions. Leopold Senghor and Kofi Awoonor
are notable African poets.
• DRAMA AND PLAYWRITING: AFRICAN PLAYWRIGHTS LIKE WOLE SOYINKA
HAVE CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE WORLD OF THEATER. AFRICAN
DRAMA OFTEN EXPLORES POLITICAL AND SOCIETAL ISSUES, BLENDING
TRADITIONAL AND MODERN ELEMENTS.
• AUTOBIOGRAPHY AND MEMOIR: AFRICAN WRITERS OFTEN SHARE THEIR
PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AND PERSPECTIVES THROUGH AUTOBIOGRAPHIES
AND MEMOIRS. THESE WORKS SHED LIGHT ON INDIVIDUAL JOURNEYS,
HISTORICAL EVENTS, AND SOCIETAL CHANGES.
• HISTORICAL AND POLITICAL WRITING: AFRICAN LITERATURE INCLUDES
HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS, ESSAYS, AND POLITICAL WRITINGS THAT ANALYZE
AND DOCUMENT THE CONTINENT'S HISTORY, INDEPENDENCE STRUGGLES, AND
CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL LANDSCAPES.
• AFRICAN FOLKLORE AND FOLKTALES: AFRICAN FOLKLORE CONSISTS OF A
VAST COLLECTION OF MYTHS, LEGENDS, AND FOLKTALES THAT REFLECT
CULTURAL BELIEFS AND VALUES. THESE STORIES OFTEN CONVEY MORAL
LESSONS AND ENTERTAIN READERS WITH IMAGINATIVE NARRATIVES.
• CHILDREN'S LITERATURE: AFRICAN AUTHORS HAVE PRODUCED A GROWING
BODY OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE THAT INTRODUCES YOUNG READERS TO
AFRICAN CULTURE, HISTORY, AND FOLKLORE WHILE ADDRESSING IMPORTANT
LIFE LESSONS.
• SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY: SOME AFRICAN AUTHORS HAVE VENTURED
INTO SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY GENRES, USING SPECULATIVE FICTION
TO EXPLORE FUTURISTIC SCENARIOS AND ALTERNATIVE REALITIES WHILE
DRAWING ON AFRICAN TRADITIONS AND SETTINGS..
• ESSAYS AND NONFICTION: AFRICAN INTELLECTUALS AND SCHOLARS WRITE
ESSAYS AND NONFICTION WORKS ON TOPICS RANGING FROM PHILOSOPHY
AND SOCIOLOGY TO EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT, CONTRIBUTING TO
INTELLECTUAL DISCOURSE.
• POSTCOLONIAL LITERATURE: THIS GENRE ADDRESSES THE COMPLEX
LEGACIES OF COLONIALISM AND IMPERIALISM, EXAMINING THE
IMPACT OF COLONIZATION ON AFRICAN SOCIETIES AND THE
STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE.

• DIASPORA LITERATURE: AFRICAN DIASPORA LITERATURE EXPLORES

THE EXPERIENCES OF AFRICANS AND THEIR DESCENDANTS LIVING
OUTSIDE THE AFRICAN CONTINENT, PARTICULARLY IN THE AMERICAS
AND EUROPE.
 AFRICAN WRITERS AND POETS
• NGŨGĨ WA THIONG’O (KENYA) NGŨGĨ WA THIONG’O
Is one of the giants of contemporary literature. He has written
dozens of books, primarily in Gikuyu, that span genre and
form—from novels to criticism, memoir to plays. He was
arrested and imprisoned in 1977 for the political message of
the play Ngaahika Ndeenda: Ithaako Ria Ngerekano (I Will
Marry When I Want), co-authored with Ngũgĩ Wa Mirii. The
memoir wrestling with the devil recounts his time in Kenya’s
Kamĩtĩ Maximum Security Prison and the writing of the novel
Devil On The Cross, which was done in secret and written on
toilet paper. Ngũgĩ's most recent work, The Perfect Nine, retells
and transforms the founding myth of the gĩkũyũ people of kenya
into an epic novel-in-verse.
 Alain Mabanckou (Republic of
Congo)

• Alain Mabanckou is an award winning

writer born in Congo-Brazzaville in the
coastal city of Pointe-Noire.
Works:
Black Moses, The Death of Comrade
President
 Chinua Achebe

Chinua Achebe born Albert Chinụalụmọgụ

Achebe; 16 November 1930 – 21 March 2013)
was a Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic who
is regarded as a central figure of modern
African literature. Things Fall Apart (1958).
• In the West, Achebe is often referred to as
the "father of African literature", although
he vigorously rejected the characterization.
 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Chimamanda is one of the leading world-

renowned African authors. Her works are
mainly character-driven and vividly outline
the Nigerian political and social landscape.
Works:
Purple Hibiscus (2003)
Americanah (2013)
 Nuruddin Farah
The Somalian born writer has numerous plays,
novels, and short stories all of which revolve
around his experiences in his native country.
His other works revolve around other social
criticism themes and others dealing with war
and post-colonial identity

Works:
Crooked Rib (1970)