Ngugi, Wa Thiong'o
Decolonising the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Literature (Studies in African Literature)
- ISBN 13:
- 9780852555019
- author:
- Ngugi, Wa Thiong'o
- format:
- Paperback
- publisher:
- James Currey
- language:
- English
- Publication Year:
- 1986
- Pages:
- 114
- Dimensions:
- 14 x 0.7 x 21.6 centimetres (0.3
- Genre:
- Literature: History & Criticism
- Condition:
- New
- Availability:
- Item usually sent within 2 working days
Description
Decolonising the Mind by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o is a collection of essays that explores the role of language in shaping national culture, history, and identity. Ngũgĩ argues that the language of literature cannot be understood outside the context of the social forces that have shaped it. This book, first published in 1986, is a key work in the 'language debate' in postcolonial studies, offering an anti-imperialist perspective on the destiny of Africa and the role of languages in combating imperialism and neo-colonialism. The book is divided into four essays, each addressing a different aspect of language and its impact on African nations. Ngũgĩ draws on his own experiences as a writer, having written his first novels and plays in English but later switching to writing in Gikuyu. He sees his work as a summary of the issues he has been passionate about for many years, and this book is a culmination of his thoughts on language, culture, and identity. Through his essays, Ngũgĩ challenges the dominant Western view of language and culture, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between language, power, and identity. This book is a thought-provoking exploration of the role of language in shaping our understanding of the world and our place in it.