On 15 August 2024, the Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research niche area at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus hosted renowned Kenyan author and scholar, Prof Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o.
Prof Wa Thiong’o, a distinguished professor of English and comparative literature from the University of California, Irvine presented his lecture, titled “The Joycean Paradox revisited: Language empire and literary identity theft”.
The event drew students, scholars and staff eager to explore the intersections of language, colonialism and cultural identity.
Prof Wa Thiong’o revisited the Joycean Paradox, named after James Joyce, to examine how colonial languages continue to shape and often distort the literary identities of formerly colonised people.
"Colonial languages impose frameworks that strip away the essence of our cultures," he remarked. He emphasised the marginalisation of indigenous African languages by the dominance of colonial languages like English and French. "The persistence of linguistic imperialism diminishes our cultural identity and confines African literature to foreign standards."
The lecture also explored the concept of “language empire,” where colonial languages serve as tools of control. Prof Wa Thiong’o critiqued the global literary establishment for prioritising works in colonial languages, arguing that this leads to cultural appropriation and misrepresentation of African narratives.
The lecture sparked a lively discussion among attendees, including suggestions such as writing theses in indigenous languages or creating a pan-African language to unify communication across the continent. These ideas sparked various debates, reflecting the deep engagement with the theme of the lecture.
This event highlights the significance of ILMA's work in promoting the preservation of Africa’s linguistic diversity. The insights gained from this lecture will contribute to ongoing efforts to elevate indigenous languages in literature and media, reinforcing their essential role in shaping African identity.
Click here https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20240820103148834 to read more about Ngugi wa Thiong’o's thoughts on language empires and how to dismantle them
Prof Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o.
