African Literature Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does the term Afrikē, derived from Greek, suggest about the climate of Africa?

  • It refers to a place full of dust.
  • It signifies a region with intense heat.
  • It indicates a land of rich resources.
  • It means without cold. (correct)

Which two geographical features separate Africa from Asia?

  • Suez Canal and Gulf of Suez. (correct)
  • Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean.
  • Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea.
  • Straits of Gibraltar and Suez Canal.

Which language group is not listed as one of the five major languages in Africa?

  • Sino-Tibetan languages. (correct)
  • Afroasiastic languages.
  • Click languages.
  • Niger-Congo languages.

What was the dominant religion in northern Africa by the 17th century?

<p>Islam. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe?

<p>It tells the story of Okonkwo and the disruptions caused by colonization. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which early literary work is acknowledged as the first English-language African play?

<p>The Girl Who Liked to Save. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who authored the first East African drama, 'Black Hermit'?

<p>Ngugi wa Thiong’o. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the historical context of the 'Epic of Sundiata'?

<p>Composed in medieval Mali. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the geographical position of Africa?

<p>Africa is separated from Europe by the Mediterranean Sea. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Afroasiastic languages' refer to?

<p>A family of languages spread across Africa and the Middle East. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which early literary masterpiece is recognized as originating from the Old Ghana Empire?

<p>The Epic of Dinga (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which century did Islam become the dominant religion in northern Africa?

<p>17th century (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant cultural change does 'Things Fall Apart' illustrate in terms of colonization?

<p>It depicts the disruption of Igbo traditions due to colonialism. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following works is attributed to Ngugi wa Thiong'o?

<p>Black Hermit (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the size of Africa compared to other continents?

<p>Africa is the second largest continent after Asia. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Herbert Isaac Ernest Dhilmo's work in African literature?

<p>He published the first English-language African play. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

African continent size

The second largest continent after Asia, covering over one-fifth of the Earth's surface.

Pre-colonial African Literature

Stories, like the Epic of Sundiata and the Epic of Dinga, from the Mali and Ghana empires, existed before colonization.

African Languages

Africa has various language groups, including Afro-Asiatic, click, Niger-Congo, Sudanic, and Austronesian.

Islam in Northern Africa

Islam is the dominant religion in northern Africa.

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Colonial African Literature

Literature emerged after colonization, featuring plays like Herbert Isaac Ernest Dhlo'mo's work and Ngugi wa Thiong'o's novels.

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Things Fall Apart

Chinua Achebe's renowned novel portraying the impact of British colonization on Igbo society. It explores themes of change and tradition.

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African literature origins

African literature existed before European contact, with examples like stories from Mali and Ghana.

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Colonial Literature: The Firsts

Colonial literature emerged as a response to European influences, featuring the first English-language African play by Herbert Isaac Ernest Dhlo'mo, and the first English-language African play, 'The Girl Who Liked to Save'.

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Boundaries of Africa

Africa is bordered by the Suez Canal, Red Sea, Strait of Gibraltar, Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean.

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What is 'Things Fall Apart' about?

Chinua Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart' tells the story of Okonkwo, a respected Igbo man, and the impact of British colonization on his life and culture.

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What is 'Things Fall Apart' renowned for?

Chinua Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart' received significant worldwide critical acclaim for its insightful exploration of Igbo society and the struggles of a traditional culture facing change.

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Africa's Location

Africa is the second largest continent, bordered by the Suez Canal, Red Sea, Strait of Gibraltar, Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean.

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Africa's Dominance

Islam is the dominant religion in northern Africa, replacing Christianity in the 17th century.

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Africa's Geographic Significance

Africa is the second largest continent after Asia, covering over one-fifth of the Earth's surface.

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Study Notes

African Literature

  • Africa is the second largest continent, after Asia.
  • It encompasses 46 countries and territories.
  • It covers more than one-fifth of the Earth's surface.
  • The Suez Canal, the Gulf of Suez, and the Red Sea separate Africa from Asia.
  • The Straits of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea separate Africa from Europe.

Etymology

  • Africa Terra – Land of the Afri
  • Afri (plural)
  • Afer (singular)
  • Potential origins for Afer:
    • Phoenician Afar – meaning dust
    • Afridi – tribe of Northern Africa
  • Greek Aphrike – meaning without cold or
  • Latin Aprica – meaning sunny
  • Eventually became the name Africa

Five Major Languages

  • Afroasiatic
  • Click
  • Niger-Congo
  • Sudanic
  • Austronesian

Islam

  • Islam is the dominant religion in Northern Africa.
  • It replaced Christianity in the 17th century.

Pre-Colonial Literature

  • Epic of Sundiata – Composed in medieval Mali
  • Epic of Dinga – From the Old Ghana empire

Colonial Literature

  • Herbert Isaac Ernest Dhlowo – Published first English-language African play.
  • The Girl Who Liked to Save – First English-language African play.
  • Ngugi wa Thiong'o – Wrote the first East African drama
  • Black Hermit – First East African drama

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

  • The novel tells the story of Okonkwo, a respected man in a Nigerian village.
  • It depicts how his life changes when British colonizers and Christian missionaries arrive.
  • The novel showcases the rich culture of the Igbo people.
  • It explores themes of change, tradition, and the effects of colonization on individuals and the community.
  • The book received significant worldwide critical acclaim.

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