Ngugi wa Thiongo’s new book “Something Torn and New: An African Renaissance” (2009) is a fantastic read, which summarizes and updates some of the arguments that Ngugi first developed in “Decolonizing the Mind” back in 1982. Ngugi’s thesis that an intellectual and cultural renaissance is only possible in Africa is Africans speak, write, read, think, invent and debate in African languages is powerful, and it resonates with some of my own thinking, for instance regarding the divergent institutional and social paths of Ngugi’s own Kenya versus neighboring Tanzania. The possibilities for Africans to re-imagine their own futures, societies, politics and culture are there, but connecting with Africa’s past through language - and all that is embedded in language - is the most promising way forward.
I really want to find a way to meet Ngugi in person. I will happily take a plane down to Irvine for the day if he’ll agree to meet me for coffee!
I’m still brainstorming as to how I can meet Ngugi, as his assistant hasn’t replied to me. Please vote - should I (a) just show up at his office in Irvine, (b) cold-call him by phone, (c) sit tight and be patient.
Renaissance of mind
In the present essay,he had replied some unsolved questions which he discussed in ‘Decolonising the Mind’. Kenya, his motherland and Gikuyu, his mother tongue.
His works always a marks of proud feeling when he describe his natuve land. Such a devotion and love should be hpnoured. I salute you passion for your country. This theme is discussed in his present book.
Renaissance of mind
In the present essay,he had replied some unsolved questions which he discussed in ‘Decolonising the Mind’. Kenya, his motherland and Gikuyu, his mother tongue.
His works always marks a feeling of proud when he describe his native land. Such a devotion and love should be hpnoured. I salute you passion for your country. This theme is discussed in his present book.This is the scenario of all the Third world countries.