The Contribution of African Literature in the Preservation of Culture: The case of Kiswahili Literature’ in Isimu na Fasihi ya Lugha za Kiafrika
Loading...
Date
2018
Authors
Osore, Miriam
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Moi University Press
Abstract
There is a symbiotic relationship between language, culture and literature. This is because each one of these aspects reinforces the other. Oral literature has served to enlighten, educate and portray the African world view, practices and problems. It was largely used to pass on African values and way of life from generation to generation. This significance of literature has not changed even with the coming of written literature and western education. African writings such as Achebe (1988), through using the English language, have weaved African culture through their creative writings. .
\ Chinua Achebe, who is regarded by scholars as the father of African literature in English; declared that an African writer has a responsibility different from' that of his/her western counterparts. This is because African literature is different from other literatures since it has its own traditions, models and norms. Achebe (1988) further notes that Africari history and.culture imposes upon it preoccupation which at times are quite different from those of other literatures. Achebe's argues that, literature reflects the value system and exceptions of the society from which it springs.
African culture is diverse and dynamic. It encompasses the totality of attitudes, behavior, beliefs and world view. According to Ameh (2002: 165), culture is that "complex pattern of behavior and material achievement which are produced, learned and shared by members of a community." Culture is therefore an integral part of human society 'and all human communities are characterized by it. This then means that, every human community has its unique cultural patterns. One of the main components of culture is the language through which it finds expression; thus there is no culture which does Hot have a linguistic basis. The totality of attitudes, behaviours, beliefs and world views find their expression through language. Literature on the other hand is defined as any piece of writing that expresses human experience and feelings through imagination. These writings become African due to the fact that they address aspects of African life, society, philosophy and experiences regardless of whatever language it iswritten in. This paper investigates aspects of African culture as presented by selected authors of Swahili texts.
OJaide (1992) asserts that, there is no art for art's sake in Africa and that every literary work has a social significance. Achebe (1988:44); speaking about African literature, argues that his agenda .in writing is to help his society regain belief in itself and put away the complex of the years of degeneration and self-abasement. Achebe further categorically states that no African writer can be excused from the duty of educating through their writings. What Achebe seems to stress is that the foremost duty of an African creative writer is to teach African culture. In order for a writer to fulfill his mission, language is key. The African writer has to get his/her message across a wider readership but without losing the cultural aspect of the African people and their language.
~ 75 ~
lsimu na Fasihi ya Lugha za Kiafrika
Whereas African writers writing in European languages have to contend with brewing old wine of African ideas and expressions in new bottles of English language (Achebe 1973), writers ir .Kiswahili, an African language do not face serious challenges in expressing African culture inar African language. African literature endeavors to describe the lives of traditional Africans African people are portrayed like other people of the world with their unique dreams, values customs and practices.
Description
Book Chapter
Keywords
Citation
The Contribution of African Literature in the Preservation of Culture: The case of Kiswahili Literature’ in Isimu na Fasihi ya Lugha za Kiafrika edited by Mwita, C. L., Maitaria, J. N., Eldoret, Moi University Press pp. 75 - 83. ISBN 978-9966-1879-7-0