Exam (elaborations)
ENG2603 ASSIGNMENT 03 YEAR MODULE 2024 (794287)
- Institution
- University Of South Africa (Unisa)
ENG2603 ASSIGNMENT 03 YEAR MODULE 2024
[Show more]
Connected book
Book Title:
Author(s):
- Edition:
- ISBN:
- Edition:
Content preview
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
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through EFT, credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying this summary from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller lwazimthembu10. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy this summary for R50,00. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
64438 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy summaries for 14 years now