Kujibizana: Questions of Language and Power in Nineteenth- and Twentieth-Century Poetry in Kishwahili

The author argues that reading poetry in Kiswahili provides important insights into questions of language and power, as well as into discussions of socialist practice in East Africa and East African resistance to colonialism and neo-colonialism. Includes the text of numerous poems and footnotes.

Table of Contents:
CONTENTS Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter I. Kupambana: Uhuru na Kutungamana Poetry in Kiswahili: Struggles for Freedom and Solidarity “The Language of Struggle” I. Poems as Ideological Texts: Envisioning Kiswahili Speaking Communities/Nation II. Establishing Codes, Exploring Stances, Negotiating Strategies III. “Regenerative Reconnection” in Literary Composition Conclusion Chapter II. Kujibizana: Ujamaa kwa Vitendo / Dialogue Poetry in Kiswahili and Ujamaa Praxis Prefaces to the Dialogue I. Terms of Address Praxis: Balance of Responsibility for Text Production and Interchange II. Establishing Shared Commitments III. Establishing an Intellectual Exchange IV. A. Dismantling an Argument and Establishing a Commitment to Symbolism IV. B. Constructing an Alternative Narrative IV. C. Constructing an Alternative Identity and Alternative “Tradition” V. A. Refiguring Praxis V. B. Toward a Revitalized Praxis Conclusion Appendix Chapter III. Kazi za Kutunga, Kuhariri, Kutafsiri, na Kusoma / The Significance of Poetic Practice in Kiswahili to the Translation and Interpretation of Early Twentieth-Century Political Poetry Overview of Contexts of Production I. Tenzi as Narratives II. Tenzi as Testimony II. A. Definition of Audience II. B. i. Disruption of Narrative: Internal Dialogue II. B. ii. Restructuring Metaphors II. B. iii. Restructuring by Manipulation of Genre Conventions III. A. Texts as Witnesses III. B. Tenzi as Coerced Speech III. B. i. Neocolonial Marginalizing of Texts: Example One III. B. ii. Neocolonial Marginalizing of Texts: Example Two III. C. Denial of the Language of Poetry Conclusion Chapter IV. Kuswahilika, Mfano Mmoja / Poetic Parodies of Missionary Discourse and the Conversion of a Missionary to Kiswahili Dialogue Missionary Discourse from the East African Coast Answers to the Hymns Answer Poems as Parodies Composers and Collaborators The Answer Poems Chapter V. Utendi na Utumbuizo / Women's Poetry as Scheme, Trope, and Texts A. Introduction I. Ideological Production and Reproduction under Colonial Rule II. Poetic Intertexts: Elaboration, Parody, and Subversion III. Ideological Production under Colonial Rule Conclusion Utumbuizo wa Fatma binti Athumani and Translation Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Ann Joyce Biersteker is a professor in the Program in African Languages at Yale University.