Question related to document "on the Abolition of English Department" by Ngugi Wa thiog'o

 Q: What reasons was given by the Ngugi on the abolition of English Department?

After the world war II, many colonies got their independence from the British Empire. But the independence was only political not a social, cultural or economic. Imperialism left his impact and effects the minds which was known as Post colonialism. Further literary education and academic institution helped in promoting the cultural imperialism.

Ngugi first proposal was based on the reason of historic continuity of one culture. He suggests that department that are centered on the English language and Literature should be terminate. He argued that the English tradition are rooted in our conscious. He gave an example that their own African writings are converted in English and added in our courses.

 In the sixth point, he gave a 2nd proposal that instead of historical continuity of single culture which is English, there should be a centralization of African culture. And view other cultures in relationship with African culture. He gave an illustration of Caribbean and Afro-American literature that they have played an eminent role in the African renaissance. African people didn’t want pre-eminence of English Literature due to political advantages. In the third point, the question about orientation was arisen which we clear it in the seventh point. He told about the aim that we should orientate ourselves by centralization of African Literature in our university through Kenyan or East African Literature.

Third proposal has been given in the point twelve over the importance of oral tradition. Oral traditions are based on their songs with dances sung in their traditional practices. For them, art is the living tradition. He gave an example that there are verbal and melodic tones in their music. And it encompasses metrical lyrics which are embedded in poetic text. Oral tradition is the whole field of study which consist tale, dance, songs and myths. To keep alive these traditions in upcoming generations, there is a need of these courses in the department. Study of oral tradition expresses the social reality of that culture.

Fourth proposal was given in 13, 14 and 15 point on Swahili, European and modern African Literature. He demands for the free of choice for the extension of representative courses which can be other than English like Russian, German, American or other European.

Q: Is Ngugi rejecting the cultural stream?

A: He has given three reasons that why the literature should be studied in Department. Firstly, it illuminates the spirit which bring a life in people. Second reason is that it shows how to face new challenges in society and third one is that we investigate the possible areas where the development is necessary.

By understanding the purpose of literature, it will be clear that he is not rejecting the western culture but he is mapping and clearing a direction that why African literature is inevitable. He make it understandable without doubt that in our lives European culture has a lot of influence in one hand and Arabic and Asian culture on the other. But our tradition is alive within ourselves in African Literature.