Between Theory and Practice: Postcolonial Discourse and the Challenge of the Self-Existence of African Literature

Kouamé ADOU

Numéro 7 – Année 2014 (2014) Page(s) 3 - 17 ISSN 2076-6130

While postcolonial studies have been at the centre of intellectual reflexion in Anglo -Saxon universities during the last three decades, many African researchers feel sceptical toward its theoretical background. They are reluctant to use the term “postcolonial” in their analysis of the social and cultural situation of people formerly colonized by the West. It is as if postcolonial studies were evolving without the contribution of African intellectuals. The aim of this paper is threefold. First, we recall the different theoretical orientations of postcolonial studies and the confusion brought by the term “postcolonial” in academic research. Secondly, we underline some of the reasons why African scholars working in African institutions show less interest for postcolonial thinking. At last, we stress the effort of some African writers who endeavour to write in African languages to avoid the marginalization of African culture.

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Kouamé ADOU. « Between Theory and Practice: Postcolonial Discourse and the Challenge of the Self-Existence of African Literature ». Revue Ivoirienne de Langues Étrangères, Numéro 7, 2014, p. 3. ISSN 2076-6130.