The African writer between two languages: reflections of a toubab Cover Image

L’écrivain africain entre deux langues: dilemmes et décisions
The African writer between two languages: reflections of a toubab

Author(s): Ewa Kalinowska
Subject(s): Descriptive linguistics, Other Language Literature, Theory of Literature, Stylistics, Sociology of Literature
Published by: Vilniaus Universiteto Leidykla
Keywords: African literature; language of artistic expression; African languages; European languages;

Summary/Abstract: The choice of language for literary creation is not a simple one, especially for African writers. Having grown up in a naturally multilingual environment and exposed to European languages, they often express themselves in the language of former colonizers. However, this is neither obvious nor should it remain a definitive choice for authors from various African countries. We will present different motivations, attitudes, and decisions of several writers; from the most radical, rejecting the European language, to others who hold onto it – either exclusively or accompanied by African languages.

  • Issue Year: 65/2023
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 30-39
  • Page Count: 10
  • Language: French
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