african literature

• What is Africa often referred to as?

  The "dark continent"
• Why is Africa referred to as the "dark continent"?

  Because the interior of Africa remained unexplored by the conquerors.
• What do Griots do in African culture?

  They are the storytellers.
• How were stories, poems, and epics traditionally passed down in Africa?

  Orally from generation to generation.
• What are the three waves of literacy in Africa?

  1. Pre-colonial (first wave)

  • Developed scripts for recording stories and religious texts.

  1. Colonial era (second wave)

  • Introduction of Arabic script and European languages.

  1. Post-colonial (third wave)

  • Exploration of independence struggles and social issues.
• What themes are celebrated in pre-colonial epics?

  Heroes, empires, and societal values.
• What impact did the spread of Islam have on African literacy?

  It introduced Arabic script in North and West Africa, leading to written works.
• How did Europeans portray Africa during the colonial era?

  As less civilized or enlightened than themselves.
• What themes became prominent during the colonial era in African literature?

  Resistance to colonialism, cultural loss, and the impact of the slave trade.
• What languages were introduced in Africa due to European colonization?

  English, French, and Portuguese.
• What themes are explored in post-colonial African literature?

  Independence struggles, nation-building, social issues, and the search for a unique African voice.
• What are notable literary genres in Africa?

  • Oral literature
  • Novels
  • Poetry
  • Drama
  • Non-fiction
• What does oral literature in Africa encompass?

  Myths, legends, epics, folktales, proverbs, and praise poetry.
• What types of stories are included in oral literature?

  Creation stories, explanations of natural phenomena, trickster tales, and tales of bravery and heroism.
• What led to a flourishing of African novels in the 20th and 21st centuries?

  The rise of written literature.
• What complexities do African novels explore?

  African history, colonialism's impact, social issues, and the search for identity.
• How is poetry characterized in African literature?

  It is often recited or sung with musical accompaniment.
• What themes does African poetry often grapple with?

  Identity, alienation, and the fight for freedom.
• How does drama in African literature often present its themes?

  By exploring societal issues, historical events, and the complexities of human relationships.
• What does non-fiction in African literature encompass?

  Essays, biographies, memoirs, and historical accounts.
• What insights does non-fiction provide in African literature?

  Valuable insights into African history, politics, and social issues.