35 pages • 1 hour read
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'oDecolonising the Mind: the Politics of Language in African Literature
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1986A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Decolonising the Mind: the Politics of Language in African Literature by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, published in 1986, is a nonfiction book that explores the impact of colonialism on African literature, theatre, and culture, advocating for the use and revival of Indigenous African languages. Through a series of essays based on his lectures, Ngũgĩ discusses the detrimental effects of colonial language imposition, shares his personal experiences with theatre and political resistance, and highlights the transformative potential of indigenous art and literature in postcolonial African societies. Sensitive topics addressed in the book include the history of colonization, imprisonment, and political oppression.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Readers praise Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's Decolonising the Mind for its profound critique of colonialism's impact on language and culture. The author’s powerful arguments and personal experiences highlight the importance of linguistic liberation. Some found the dense theoretical content challenging. Overall, a compelling read in postcolonial studies.
Who Should Read Decolonising the Mind?
A reader who would enjoy Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's Decolonising the Mind is likely interested in postcolonial studies, language politics, and African literature. Similar to enthusiasts of Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart or Frantz Fanon's The Wretched of the Earth, they seek profound reflections on cultural identity and decolonization.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
History: African
Race / Racism
History: World
African American Literature
Philosophy
Identity: Language