African Literature and Culture in the Age of Globalization and Western Culture Dominance
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AKWA IBOM STATE UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF ARTS
Abstract
bstractThe paper examines the characteristic nature of African Literature in relation to the manifesting influence of globalization and westernization of culture. The conceptual ideological tenets of African Literature aim to promote Africanity; that is, the promotion of African culture or anything that is African. However, the actual socio-cultural practices of the people of the continent are determined by the thoughts, initiatives and products of the people of the West. If it is the duty of literature to showcase the cultural values of its host society, then a contradiction ensues if African Literature sustains its resistance of the cultural values of the rest of the world especially, the Western culture. For more than a century the Western culture has been influencing life experiences across the world. African Literature intellectuals need to reflect this in their writings. African literature should shy away from ritual themes and the claimed pride and potential as its tenets and goals. Much attention should be given to the influence of globalization and Western culture on African culture. It has become unavoidable for African literature to address universal themes such as global peace, responsible consumption and sustainable cities and environment. This will makeAfrican literary works to be inclusive and globally relevant. It will also put African literary writers in good standing to win the Nobel Prize for literature again since Wole Soyinka won it in 1986. It will also be a genuine reflection of the Continent’scontemporary social and cultural realities. Key words: African Literature, Africanity, African culture, Western culture, Globalization