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ENG2603 ASSIGNMENT 03 YEAR MODULE 2024 (794287)
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- University Of South Africa (Unisa)
ENG2603 ASSIGNMENT 03 YEAR MODULE 2024
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FULL NAMES:STUDENT NUMBER:
UNIQUE NUMBER: 794287
MODULE CODE: ENG2603
MODULE NAME: COLONIAL AND POSTCOLONIAL
AFRICAN LITERATURES
ASSIGNMENT: 03
DUE DATE: 13 SEPTEMBER 2024
, Question 1: Welcome to our Hillbrow by Mpe Phaswane
Phaswane Mpe’s "Welcome to Our Hillbrow" is a narrative deeply rooted in the post-
apartheid South African context, where language plays a crucial role in exploring
identity, power dynamics, and cultural authenticity. The novel, set in the vibrant and
chaotic district of Hillbrow, reflects on the complexities of using indigenous languages
within a literary framework that has been heavily influenced by colonial legacies. The
passage where Refentše contemplates the use of Sepedi in his writings highlights the
inherent contradictions in the acceptance of language in post-apartheid South Africa.
Despite the shift towards a new political era, the remnants of apartheid's censorship
laws still influence the way African languages are perceived, especially when they are
used to depict reality in an unfiltered manner.
Obiajunwa Wali’s essay, "The Dead End of African Literature?" posits that the true
essence of African literature can only be captured through the use of African
languages. Wali argues that African writers who continue to use colonial languages,
such as English and French, are perpetuating a system of cultural alienation.
According to Wali, these writers are distanced from the majority of their intended
audience, who often do not speak these colonial languages fluently. Mpe’s decision to
write parts of "Welcome to Our Hillbrow" in Sepedi can be seen as a direct response
to Wali’s critique. Incorporating Sepedi, Mpe not only asserts the validity of African
languages but also challenges the dominance of English in South African literature.
However, the resistance that Refentše faces from publishers who deem his use of
Sepedi as vulgar reflects the broader systemic challenges that African writers
encounter when they attempt to break free from the linguistic norms imposed by
colonial history.
Ngugi wa Thiong'o, in his essay "The Language of African Literature," expands on
Wali’s arguments by exploring the psychological and cultural implications of language
choice in African literature. Ngugi argues that the use of colonial languages in African
literature is not just a matter of convenience but a continuation of the colonial project
that sought to erase African identities and cultures. For Ngugi, writing in African
languages is an act of resistance and a necessary step towards decolonization. In
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