English language and literature
Subtitle: cross cultural currents
By: edited by Mompoloki Mmangaka Bagwasi, Modupe Moyosore Alimi and Patrick James Ebewo
Publisher: Cambridge Scholars
Published: 2008
Place of publication: Newcastle
Language: eng
Number of pages: 295
ISBN-13: 9781847189523
Description: "English Language and Literature: Cross Cultural Currents" is a collection of essays that interrogate the precarious positions of English and African languages in an era in which English is increasingly becoming the dominant language in Africa while at the same time there is a growing resistance against it. Though many Africans take pride in their own cultural heritage that is expressed by their African languages, they require the economic and social benefits of English. The book presents a language dilemma in which both African languages and English enhance, inhibit, and influence each other. The data used by the authors spans a broad spectrum of sources including: fiction, courts, parliamentary Hansards, House of Chiefs, classrooms, internet, roads and bus ranks. Thus, it is reflective of the most and least educated, the most and least influential Africans. The presentations provide broad insights about African symbols, metaphors, imagery and folklores representing undocumented literature that challenge scientific imperialism and deficit theories. The diversity and freshness of the ideas in the book stem from the unique blend of the background of the contributors: English language and literature teachers, teachers of African languages, educationalist, sociologists, historians and politicians. Thus the book is a valuable asset to scholars in linguistics, anthropology and language policy makers.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references.