Canons of indigenous traditions and Western values: the voice of African women writers

Abstract

The study is aimed at analyzing the Canons of lndigenous Traditions and Western Values: The Voices of African Women Writers focusing in different genres written by African women writers with the exception of one book which is entitled lkamva Lethu which is written by a male author. This study examines critically the way African women writers approach the issues that affect their lives, socially, emotionally, psychologicalJy, politically, culturally and personally. This thesis attempts to delve into the reality of the concerns of women in our societies. Our analysis is based on different genres in which every topic is first and foremost being introduced by the responses from different interviewees to prove the relationship between written work and what is happening in our society. Literature review of other works researching on related issues are given consideration. Biographical details of some African women writers are provided where their background of writing is being pointed out. The term African literature is also given consideration since this study is based on the works of African women writers. A brief account of field research and how the data was collected including the conditions on which the interviews were conducted is also a part of the study. The theoretical framework where the whole study will be based has been discussed. An acclectical approach has been employed where more than one theory has been dissected. These are the theories that are going to form the base of the study; psychoanalysis where different views from different psychoanalists such as Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, Lacan, Julliet Mitchell will be tested, womanism, which aimed at the unity of blacks everywhere under the enlightened control of men and women, feminism will also form part of our theoretical framework. The African traditional canons are examined where women writers are voicing out their concerns about African tradition and how women are sometimes being disadvantaged by the tradition. Western values will discuss women as individual rather than as dependent people who cannot reason about their own values instead seeing themselves being forced to accept patriarchy imposed on them. The voice of African women writers will be tested where they show their commitment in their womanhood and they wilJ tell the truth of being a woman. Beyond gender inequality explores the way in which these inequalities are being implemented and how do people and characters respond to them. This leads to the concluding remarks where the assessment of the general overview of the study will be made. The applaud is being given to the women writers who portray the courage of seeing the necessity of putting forward their feelings and how they want the world to view them as women