Exploring African perspectives in the analysis of literary texts of pre-service English teachers

Abstract

This study is aimed at the promotion of African knowledge and values in response to the calls for Africanisation/decolonisation of education, particularly higher education institutions. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to draw awareness to the way in which Africa and Africans are portrayed in literary texts as well as the study guides which inform the interpretation of these texts. The study also explores ways in which these texts can be analysed in order to understand and appreciate African knowledge and values. In addition to this, the literary analyses of the texts offer interpretations of Africa and Africans which are alternative to dominant interpretations. This study is specifically focused on the prescribed literature which forms part of the initial teacher training programme of English students at a South African tertiary institution. The texts chosen for this study are Things fall apart by Chinua Achebe, Disgrace by JM Coetzee and Othello by William Shakespeare. The study is qualitative and critical discourse analysis is employed to understand how Africa and Africans are presented in the texts. The literary analyses of the selected texts indicate that African lenses can be used to great effect in order to offer alternative views of Africa and Africans other than the views presented in the texts. This study could thus be useful for an initial teacher training programme in Africa as it provides opportunities to engage in discourse around African knowledge, identity and experiences.