Post-Colonialism Overview
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Questions and Answers

According to the provided text, what is a core concern of post-colonialism?

The text suggests that a core concern of post-colonialism is the reconstruction of the present by interrogating the past.

What does the text suggest about the relationship between colonial powers and literature?

The text implies that colonial powers actively used literature to suppress indigenous cultures and replace them with their own.

How does the text describe the nature of post-colonial literatures?

The text describes post-colonial literatures as works that strategically engage with history and culture to counter colonial narratives.

What is the significance of post-colonialism as a 'strategic methodology' according to the text?

<p>It allows for the retelling of suppressed narratives and the reimagining of history.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify one specific historical example mentioned in the text that illustrates the suppression of indigenous literatures by colonial powers.

<p>The text mentions the British suppression of indigenous literatures through literary 'washout', replacing them with their own 'canonical' literature in English.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the text connect the study of post-colonialism to contemporary societies?

<p>The text suggests that post-colonialism offers a framework for understanding the present by critically examining the legacy of colonialism and its impact on contemporary societies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the potential benefits for those whose stories and histories have been suppressed, as described in the text, by engaging with post-colonialism?

<p>The text suggests engaging with post-colonialism can allow for the telling of previously silenced stories, the reconstruction of neglected histories, and an opportunity to reclaim cultural identity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does literary imagination play in post-colonialism?

<p>The text suggests that literary imagination is a crucial tool in challenging dominant narratives, reclaiming lost histories, and constructing new understandings of the world.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Chinua Achebe's work demonstrate cultural identity and nationalism?

<p>Achebe's work, like <em>Things Fall Apart</em>, demonstrates cultural identity and nationalism by showcasing the dignity of African culture and using African myths, legends, rituals, festivals, ceremonies and folklore.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central argument of the provided text regarding the post-colonial experience?

<p>The text argues that post-colonial recovery requires the colonized people to look inwards, appreciate their culture, and reclaim their identity, rejecting Western ideologies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the novel, Fearless of Ifeoma Chinwuba, in relation to the text's argument?

<p><em>Fearless of Ifeoma Chinwuba</em> is used as an example to illustrate the ramifications of colonialism on both the colonizer and the colonized.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the post-colonial discourse elements used to analyze the text Fearless of Ifeoma Chinwuba?

<p>The text uses post-colonial elements like 'hybridity, appropriation, abrogation, untranslated words, and affiliation' to analyze the text.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What specific aspect of Achebe's writing is highlighted by Charles Nnolim's statement?

<p>Nnolim emphasizes Achebe's role in reclaiming and celebrating African culture, using indigenous elements to counter Western misrepresentations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the colonial process affect colonized people?

<p>The colonial process, according to the text, forces interaction and creates a co-dependence leading to both the colonizer and the colonized adopting the other's cultural elements, leading to a cultural hybridity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central concept the text emphasizes for recovering from colonialism?

<p>The text emphasizes the importance of 'looking inwards' and appreciating the indigenous cultural elements as a key to cultural reclamation and liberation from colonial influence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Specifically, what does the text say about the role of Western ideologies in recovering from colonialism?

<p>The text suggests that a positive recovery from colonialism requires the rejection of Western ideologies in favor of appreciating and reclaiming indigenous cultural elements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Ashcroft et al., what does the term "appropriation" refer to in the context of postcolonial literature?

<p>Appropriation, as described by Ashcroft et al., refers to the process of using the English language to express one's own cultural experiences, even though English is not their native language.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do postcolonial writers like Ifeoma Chinwuba attach such importance to the question of cultural identity?

<p>Postcolonial writers like Chinwuba value cultural identity because they feel a need to break free from the cultural dominance and limitations imposed by colonialism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Chinua Achebe's perspective on the use of English language in African literature align with Ashcroft et al.'s definition of appropriation?

<p>Achebe's view aligns with Ashcroft et al., as he advocates for a 'new English' that retains its connection to its origins but adapts to express African experiences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the excerpt suggest is a key aspect of understanding a literary work, particularly in a postcolonial context?

<p>The excerpt suggests that understanding a literary work requires examining its contextual framework, including the author's background, historical moment, and cultural values.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument presented in the excerpt regarding the importance of understanding a literary work's context?

<p>The main argument is that a literary work’s meaning and impact are deeply rooted in its cultural and historical context.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of impact does colonial history have on the cultural identity of a nation, according to the excerpt?

<p>Colonial history often leads to a suppression of cultural identity, forcing the colonized people to adopt the cultural norms of the colonizer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do postcolonial writers challenge the traditional understanding of the English language?

<p>Postcolonial writers challenge the traditional understanding by adopting and adapting English to express their own cultural experiences and perspectives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key message about cultural identity that the excerpt conveys?

<p>The key message is that cultural identity is a crucial aspect of a people's existence and requires continuous re-evaluation and assertion, especially after periods of colonial oppression.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the author's portrayal of society in the given text challenges stereotypical representations of African cultures.

<p>The author challenges stereotypes by focusing on the positive aspects of African culture, such as the importance of kola nuts and the pouring of libation, which are portrayed as meaningful rituals rooted in tradition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the quote, "He going to bathe in the stream.You want follow him?" (57) in relation to the author's use of pidgin English?

<p>The quote illustrates the author's use of pidgin English as a language of national expression, reflecting the urban and rural working classes within Nigerian society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify two specific elements from the text that demonstrate the indoctrination given to the children and its purpose.

<p>The text mentions the kids being given an indoctrination that prepares them for maturity and to be stoical during their journey into adulthood. The example of the pouring of libation and the breaking of the kola nut by elders signifies the transmission of cultural values and knowledge to the younger generation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the symbolic significance of the kola nut in the text and how does it relate to African traditions?

<p>The kola nut holds symbolic value as a source of life, representing connections to ancestors and the continuity of tradition. It is a central element in African rituals and signifies the importance of community and shared values.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what is the significance of the pouring of libation in the context of African culture?

<p>The pouring of libation is a ritual practice that creates a link between the living and the dead, paying homage to ancestors and seeking their guidance and blessings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the author's use of pidgin English challenge the notion of Queen's English as the standard language of authority?

<p>By using pidgin English, the author subverts the dominance of Queen's English as the only legitimate form of communication. It showcases the rich linguistic diversity within Nigeria and highlights the importance of recognizing local languages as valid forms of self-expression.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the author's portrayal of the boy's experience in Umudo challenge the stereotypical depiction of Africa as a primitive and underdeveloped land?

<p>The boy's immersion in Umudo reveals a rich and vibrant culture with deep-rooted traditions and practices. The author's portrayal counters the stereotypical image of Africa as underdeveloped by showcasing a strong sense of community, tradition, and spiritual connection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the provided text, what are the author's main intentions in portraying African culture and society?

<p>The author aims to present a nuanced and authentic representation of African culture, challenging stereotypical portrayals and highlighting the significance of traditions like the pouring of libation, the importance of kola nuts, and the role of pidgin English in fostering a sense of national identity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant aspect of African culture that is highlighted through Chinwuba's narration of Ralph's experience with fufu, specifically focusing on its importance to the Igbo people?

<p>The text highlights the cultural practice of eating fufu, a staple food for the Igbo people, and its significance in their life and identity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the literary technique used by Chinwuba to represent the African context, offering a glimpse into the Igbo language and culture?

<p>Chinwuba uses untranslated words and expressions from the Igbo language.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe one of the untranslated Igbo words mentioned in the text, its English translation, and its cultural significance.

<p>The text mentions 'Omenma' which translates to 'Doer of good' and implies a strong sense of morality and virtue within the Igbo culture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what does Matt's surprise at his son's recovery in Africa reveal about Ralph's adaptation process? How does this relate to the broader theme of cultural adaptation?

<p>Matt's surprise shows that Ralph's adaptation to the African weather was unexpected and positive. This highlights the potential of individuals to adapt and thrive in different cultural contexts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do proverbs contribute to African cultural identity and value according to the text?

<p>Proverbs are considered cherished cultural artifacts that hold significant value and play a crucial role in preserving and transmitting African culture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify at least one specific untranslated word or expression from the Igbo language that Chinwuba utilizes in her story. What is its English translation and what does it convey about the Igbo cultural context?

<p>'Okepa' (Big foot) is an example of an untranslated Igbo word used by Chinwuba. It conveys a sense of strength, power, and potentially denotes a person of importance or authority within the Igbo community.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential consequence if indigenous literatures are suppressed by colonial powers, using the examples provided in the text?

<p>Suppression of indigenous literatures can lead to the loss of cultural identity, voices, and histories, hindering the preservation of diverse narratives and perspectives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the proverb, “you eati pepper, you will yellow more, more”, suggest about the speaker's perspective towards the colonial order?

<p>The proverb suggests a sarcastic or ironic perspective, potentially criticizing the notion of superiority associated with whiteness and suggesting a resistance against colonial norms by emphasizing the speaker's own culture and identity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the phrase “Thank your gods that it is rice that Uwa cook today” reveal the impact of colonialism on daily life?

<p>This phrase reveals the influence of colonial food practices and the integration of rice, a staple in many colonized territories, into the everyday lives of the characters, highlighting the impact of cultural exchange and assimilation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the exchange between Phoebe and Ralph, regarding African herbs, suggest about their beliefs and the colonial context?

<p>It suggests a strong belief in traditional African medicine, possibly seen as a counterpoint to the Western medical practices favored by colonial powers. This highlights the tension between indigenous knowledge and the imposed systems of the colonizers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might the phrase “Junior go late for school, get cane for back” depict the impact of colonial education on indigenous communities?

<p>The cane represents a form of corporal punishment prevalent in colonial education systems. The phrase suggests the imposition of disciplinary practices and the control exerted by the colonizers over indigenous students.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Ralph's internal journey to London signify in the context of the provided passage?

<p>It can symbolize a temporary escape from the realities of colonized life or a yearning for a different reality. It also suggests a conflicting sense of belonging and identity within the context of colonialism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the phrase “I think you want eat for white man house. Eat, let us see” reflect the power dynamics and social hierarchy prevalent during the colonial era?

<p>The statement suggests a sense of suspicion or disapproval toward the desire to emulate the colonizers. It implies a social divide between the indigenous population and the colonizers, highlighting the power imbalances and the effects of racial discrimination.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Analyze the significance of the phrase “Small master no go school?” in relation to the themes of education and inequality in the colonial context.

<p>The phrase “Small master no go school?” emphasizes the disparity between the colonized and colonizers. It questions the absence of the 'small master', possibly a white child, from school while emphasizing the expectation of education and servitude for the indigenous community.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the excerpt showcase the tension between traditional African practices and those imposed by the colonial regime?

<p>The excerpt demonstrates this tension through the contrasting views on medicine, education, and social roles. African practices, like the use of herbs, are juxtaposed with colonial educational systems and social norms, highlighting the conflicts between indigenous traditions and the imposed practices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Post-colonial theory

A framework used to analyze the effects of colonization on cultures.

Chinua Achebe

A prominent Nigerian writer known for exploring cultural identity.

Cultural identity

The sense of belonging to a particular culture.

Hybridity

Mixing of different cultural influences post-colonization.

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Cultural nationalism

The advocacy for a nation's culture and identity.

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Appropriation

The act of taking cultural elements for one's own use.

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Abrogation

The act of abolishing or rejecting a practice or belief.

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Cultural assertion

The act of recognizing and expressing one's own cultural values.

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Post-colonialism

A theory that analyzes and critiques the impact of colonialism on cultures and societies.

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Kirsti Bohata

A scholar who supports the idea that post-colonialism helps interrogate the past to reconstruct the present.

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Indigenous Literatures

Literary works by native cultures, often suppressed by colonial powers.

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Canonical European Literature

Established and widely accepted literary works from Europe, often seen as benchmarks of quality.

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Literary Washout

The process of replacing local literature with colonial literature.

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Homi Bhabha

A theorist who discusses the complexities of cultural identities post-colonization.

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Cultural Imagination

The ability to conceive and create narratives about culture and history.

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Suppressive Narratives

Stories that have been silenced or hidden, often by colonial forces.

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African herbs

Medicinal plants used in traditional African healing.

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Phoebe's determination

Phoebe believes in the healing power of African herbs for her ailment.

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Oral tradition

Cultural stories and knowledge passed down verbally.

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Ralph's mission

Ralph seeks herbal cures for his mother’s illness.

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Cane for back

Punishment for being late to school.

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Cultural context

The background that shapes beliefs and practices.

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Medicine men

Healers in African traditional medicine.

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Daily chores

Routine tasks assigned to assist families.

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Libation

A ritual pouring of a liquid as an offering to ancestors.

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Kola Nut

A nut significant in African cultures, often used in rituals.

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Pidgin English

A simplified form of English used in specific communities.

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Urban working class

People in cities engaged in labor or services.

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Rural working class

Laborers from countryside areas primarily involved in agriculture.

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Cultural expression

The ways in which cultures communicate their values and identity.

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Colonial contact

Interactions between colonizers and the colonized.

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Social context

The environment in which people live, influencing behavior and norms.

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Cultural gridlock

A state where a culture is viewed as inferior, restricting growth and expression.

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Principle of appropriation

The process of integrating cultural elements into one's own context.

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New English

An adapted version of English reflecting African experiences and context.

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Cultural texture

The unique context and characteristics of a culture's expression.

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Historical moment

The specific time period that influences cultural expressions and narratives.

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Conditions of publication

Factors surrounding the release of cultural works affecting their reception.

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Values drawn upon

Cultural, moral, or societal principles that influence creative expressions.

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Presumed background

The assumed knowledge or context that affects the interpretation of cultural works.

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Fufu

A staple food in African culture, typically made from cassava or yams.

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Ralph's Adaptation

Ralph adjusts quickly to the African environment and lifestyle.

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Untranslated Expressions

Words that retain their original form and meaning in a different language context.

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Igbo Culture

The cultural practices and traditions of the Igbo people in Nigeria.

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Proverbs in African Culture

Wisdom sayings that reflect the values and beliefs of African societies.

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Coughing Incident

Ralph coughs after trying to eat fufu improperly.

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Omenma

An Igbo term meaning 'Doer of good.'

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Cultural Artifacts

Objects that hold significant meaning and value within a culture, like proverbs and food.

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Study Notes

Course Information

  • Tutorial: African Literature
  • Semester: 1
  • Level: Undergraduate - Licence 2
  • Number of hours: 12 hours

Course Instructor

  • Dr. [Name removed]
  • Assistant Professor of African Literature and Civilisation
  • Email: [Email removed]
  • Phone Number: [Phone number removed]
  • Office Hours: By appointment

Description

  • The tutorial focuses on Ifeoma Chinwuba's novel, Fearless (2004).
  • The novel follows Ralph, a white boy who falls ill in London.
  • His father moves the family to Africa to improve his health.
  • The novel is divided into three parts:
    • Part 1: Ralph's arrival in Umudo and his initiation into adulthood.
    • Part 2: Ralph's initiation ceremonies on Snake Island.
    • Part 3: Ralph's journey back to London to treat his mother.

Objectives and Expected Outcome

  • Students will be able to write essays on trends in African literature, illustrating their viewpoints with African literary works.
  • Students will be able to identify and analyze major themes in Fearless (2004).

Mode of Delivery

  • Reading
  • Essay writing
  • Group discussion

Class Assessment

  • Multiple choice questions
  • Essay writing
  • Oral presentations

Bibliography

  • Chinwuba, I. (2004). Fearless. London: The Book Guild Ltd.
  • Ukande, C. K. (2016). Culture as the Bedrock of a People's Identity: An Exploration of Ifeoma Chinwuba's Fearless. Global Journal of Human-Social Science: C (Sociology & Culture), 16(2), 23-28.

Tutorial 1: Test 1 - Chinwuba's Fearless

  • Contains questions regarding definitions of African Literature, colonial writing, lists of African writers, and information on the author of "Heart of Darkness."
  • Includes questions about authors and titles of literary works.

An Overview of Ifeoma Chinwuba's Fearless (B-Brainstorming)

  • Questions about author Ifeoma Chinwuba, her writing generation, number of published books, and summary of Fearless.

Study the Following Constituent Elements of Fiction in Fearless

  • Setting: The social context in which the novel's events occur, including location, time period, and culture.
  • Characters: Round vs Flat, Protagonist and Antagonist. Distinction between flat and round characters and how the characters change within the narrative. Who is the protagonist and antagonist?
  • Plot: Events, cause and effect. The series of events within the narrative.

Tutorial 2: Writing a Literary Commentary (Guidelines)

  • Commentary is analysis of a passage; not an essay
  • Commentary should focus on themes/styles of the passage.
  • Include line numbers of analyzed text
  • Avoid general statements; focus on the specifics of passage
  • Use a structure for commentary (introduction, overview, detailed analysis, and conclusion).

Tutorial 3: Writing a Literary Essay

  • Presents essay assignment prompts regarding various aspects of Ifeoma Chinwuba's novel Fearless.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts and themes of post-colonialism as discussed in the text. It delves into the relationship between colonial powers and literature, the nature of post-colonial literatures, and the significance of post-colonialism as a methodology. Historical examples and the role of literary imagination in shaping cultural identity will also be examined.

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