African Poetry Critical Survey of Poetry: Topical Essays

Introduction

African literature, including poetry, finds its roots in a long tradition of oral literature in native languages. With European colonial intrusions between the fourteenth and twentieth centuries, much literature from the continent was expressed in English, French, Portuguese, and other foreign languages, particularly Arabic in North Africa. Postcolonial literatures continue in a variety of languages and a combination of traditions.

Oral traditions

Traditionally, oral poetry was produced by specialized, trained poets who were connected to kings,...

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