Lecture Notes: M6 21st Century Afro-Asian Literature

Course Objectives

• Compare and contrast cultural themes in African, Asian, and Western literature.
• Analyze the influence of historical events on African and Asian literature.
• Discuss themes like identity, colonialism, tradition vs. modernity, and resistance.
• Develop critical thinking by critiquing African and Asian texts.

Asian Literature

Overview

• Encompasses works from East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Asia.
• Reflects diverse cultures, histories, and contemporary experiences.

East Asian Literature

China

• Oldest existing literature (3,000 years old).
• Influenced by historical, cultural, and social changes.
• Notable periods: Ancient (e.g., Confucius), Medieval (Tang Dynasty poetry), Modern (Western influence, May Fourth Movement).
• Notable authors: Mo Yan, Yu Hua.

Japan

• Known for its unique writing system "Kanji."
• Literary periods: Ancient, Classic, Medieval, Modern.
• Modern developments: Rise of manga as a popular form.
• Notable mangaka: Naoki Urasawa, Akira Toriyama.

Korea

• Literature influenced by Chinese texts and Western styles.
• Key periods: Three Kingdoms, Joseon Dynasty (Hangul developed).
• Modern influence: K-drama and K-pop's impact on literature.

South Asian Literature

India

• Rich diversity in languages and traditions.
• Historical periods: Indus Valley, Vedic, British Colonial, Post-independence.
• Key works: Vedas, Mahabharata, Ramayana.
• Influential writers: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Pakistan

• Influenced by Persian and Urdu traditions.
• Themes of identity, nationalism, and spirituality.
• Notable events: Partition, rise of English literature.

Southeast Asian Literature

Vietnam

• Heavily influenced by Chinese cultural traditions.
• Important historical influences: French colonization, Vietnam War.

Thailand

• Literature influenced by Buddhist teachings.
• Modern themes: Globalization, acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities.

Indonesia

• Early literature influenced by Indian epics.
• Post-independence literature focuses on nationalism and identity.

West Asian Literature

Israel

• Central themes include war, conflict, and the Holocaust.
• Historical influences: Jewish Enlightenment, Zionist literature.

Palestine

• Themes of nationalism and identity during British Mandate.
• Impact of the Nakba and subsequent conflicts on literature.

African Literature

Historical Context

• Ancient Egyptian texts, oral traditions in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Pre-colonial literature: "Epic of Sundiata," "Epic of Dinga."

Colonial and Post-Colonial Period

• Impact of colonization: European attempts to erase African traditions.
• Prominent themes: Slavery, racial discrimination.
• Literary movements: Harlem Renaissance, Negritude.

Contemporary African Literature

• Themes of identity, displacement, African experience.
• Notable authors: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Ngugi wa Thiong'o.

Key Themes in 21st Century Literature

• Globalization, cultural identity, socio-political commentary.
• Exploration of memory, impermanence, human resilience.

"Your Name" (Kimi no Na wa)

• Anime film reflecting 21st-century narrative techniques.
• Themes: Fate, identity, memory, urban vs. rural life.
• Cultural impact: Global recognition, bridging traditional and modern Japan.

Conclusion

• 21st-century Afro-Asian literature reflects complex cultural dynamics.
• Continues to influence and be influenced by global movements and issues.