Africanization, Hybridity, and Translation

This thesis is a comparative study of Chinua Achebe and Ahmadou Kourouma's writing styles and approach towards the African novel. Convergences and divergences in their writing styles will be discussed in depth. Terms such as Africanization, hybridisation, and translation will be dominant throughout the discussion. Furthermore, other terms to be closely analysed will be - idiolects, mimetism, linguistic syncretism, sociolinguists, code-switching and diglossia, ethno-stylistics, colonialism, imperialism, cultural hegemony, theoretical and aesthetical aspects, ideological aspects, literary styles, rhythm and orality, thematic and metaphorical references, as well as subversion and submission. Finally, the thesis will wind up by focusing on readership and the theoretical implications of the works of the two literary giants in African literature and the national canons.