Abstract
Summary The discourse in South African literary studies, post‐colonial and general literary studies on the phenomenon of a national literature, this essay contends, is vague and undertheorised. It critically examines claims made by various scholars in the field of South African and post‐colonial studies concerning the existence of a South African national literature and proceeds to identify the conceptual difficulties and confusions attendant to the concept of a national literature. It explores the meanings of the terms “nation”, “nationalism”, “nation‐state” and provides a definition of what a “national literature” is. Based on this definition, it concludes that South Africa is a state without a nation and thus a state without a national literature.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
