Alexander Nderitu - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Alexander Nderitu

The Cartography of Human Behaviour: Vernacular Theatre in Eastern Africa, 2024

The controversial downgrading or outright banning of indigenous languages in African schools is e... more The controversial downgrading or outright banning of indigenous languages in African schools is evident in performance arts whereby most shows are written in 'international languages' like English and French. This document investigates the root of the problem, shows examples of 'vernacular shows' that achieved international success, and offers tips on how thespians can overcome the language barrier. It provides insights that could go a long way in helping theatre companies navigate the ever-changing arts/entertainment landscape. In 2023, this paper was shortlisted for the the E. E. Sule/SEVHAGE Prize for African Literary Criticism and co-won the SEVHAGE Agema-Founder’s Prize for African Criticism.

The Missionary Position, 2024

Were the pioneering Christian missionaries agents of European colonial powers, as has been allege... more Were the pioneering Christian missionaries agents of European colonial powers, as has been alleged in some quarters? Were they in cahoots with explorers and colonialists? Did they turn a blind eye to the atrocities committed by colonial regimes – including slavery and oppression – as long as they were allowed to do their missionary work? Did their new religion uplift the Africans? And what, exactly, was their mission? This paper explores these questions.

Ancient North African Civilizations: A Scholarly Approach, 2024

The 21st century has seen an unprecedented surge of interest in ancient African civilizations by ... more The 21st century has seen an unprecedented surge of interest in ancient African civilizations by the general public, especially African-Americans. This is exemplified by films such as Black Panther, a hockey-stick rise in African cultures, and increased African-American trips to ‘the motherland.’ This article takes a scholarly approach studying to the ancient kingdoms of northern Africa and the Nile Valley in particular. While it does not cover the hundreds of independent kingdoms that existed prior to the European colonial era, it does offer insights into some of the ancient civilizations and ancient times. This article hints at Africa being the cradle of civilization. It also introduces some of the greatest scholars aka ‘master teachers’ of African history, with the hope that those who wish to learn about primeval Africa will seek out their works and be duly illuminated.

African Literary Awards and the Case for an ‘African Nobel Prize’ , 2019

This research analyzes the major literary awards on the African continent as well as the relevanc... more This research analyzes the major literary awards on the African continent as well as the relevance - or lack of such - of the Nobel Prize for Literature to the African literary scene. The award schemes covered include the Caine Prize for African Writing, Mabati-Cornell Kiswahili Prize, Burt Award for African Literature, Brunel International African Poetry Prize, Commonwealth Short Story Prize, African Literature Prize, Golden Baobab Prize, Nigerian Prize for Literature, Etisalat/9mobile Prize for Literature, and Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa, among others. Award schemes based and funded outside the continent are seen to be grappling with 'a crisis of legitimacy' and the possibility of an African-based/sponsored super award is argued in detail.

Arab Literature: An Untapped Treasure?, 2019

This paper examines Arab literature within cultural, historical and intellectual contexts. It pre... more This paper examines Arab literature within cultural, historical and intellectual contexts. It presents Arab literature as an intriguing but rather overlooked branch of World Literature. It defines the Arab world (aka 'Arab Street') as well as such terms as 'Arab', ‘Middle East’, 'Pan-Arabism' and the 'Arab League'. The topics covered in this objective document include Ancient Literature, Modern Times, Awards and Recognitions, Female Scribes, Book Fairs, Intellectuals, Royals, Moors, Book Industry Facts and Figures, Controversies, and Translation. Individual literati mentioned in the research include Naguib Mahfouz, Khalil Gibran, Sara al-Jarwan, Nizar Qabbani, Nawal El Saadawi, Yusuf Idris, Bushra al-Fadil, Dareen Tatour and Edward W. Said. The research also ponders the possible future of Arab literature.

Books and Television, 2019

This paper examines the relationship between books and television in order to determine if the tw... more This paper examines the relationship between books and television in order to determine if the two are mutually exclusive, destructive to each other or actually symbiotic. It covers TV book clubs and book shows, and show how television impacts the bestseller lists.

Who Are the Maasai People of Africa, 2019

The Maasai are East Africa's best-known tribe. Mythologized by films and popular liteaure, the Ma... more The Maasai are East Africa's best-known tribe. Mythologized by films and popular liteaure, the Maasai community has earned ‘the admiration of strangers’ and created a unique culture that is now being commodified and sold on the world market. this research digs into the - surprising recent - history of the Maa people; their history, challenges, culture and impact on world culture.

African Writers in Japanese Translation, 2019

This document profiles some of the African writers whose works have been translated into Japanese... more This document profiles some of the African writers whose works have been translated into Japanese, the fifth most-spoken language in the world. The scribes include A. Igoni Barrett, Glaydah Namukasa, Alexander Nderitu, Unoma Nguemo Azuah, Nii Ayikwei Parkes, Chika Unigwe, Monica Arac de Nyeko, Mubanga Mulapa and Amos Tutuola.

Culture Codes in Literature, 2019

This research seeks to discover whether the commonalities in human nature can overcome the more a... more This research seeks to discover whether the commonalities in human nature can overcome the more artificial and fleeting cultural biases in the production of world literature. The scope is quite wide, covering thoughts, quotes and book excerpts from places as culturally divergent as China, the UK and Nigeria. The thinkers and scribes quoted here include Jidi Majia, Dr. Clotaire Rapaille, Stephen Fry, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, Dr. John Henrik Clarke, Nurrudin Farah, Rasna Warah, Chimamanda Adichie, Chris Abani, Warsan Shire and literary agent Andrew 'The Jackal' Wylie. The research does not uncover any one-size-fits-all solution for the production of World Literatures.

Race in Literature , 2019

This research examines a broad range of racial issues that have coloured literature in English fr... more This research examines a broad range of racial issues that have coloured literature in English from historical times to the present day. Views/quotes from famous personalities are sampled in order to give insights into the nature of racism in the literary arts and its impact on the psyches of individual artists. The said personalities include Toni Morrison, Amiri Baraka, Milan Kundera, Dr. John Henrk Clarke, Elspesth Huxley, Zora Neale Hurston, Angela Davis, W.E.B DuBois, Alice Walker, James Baldwin, John H. Johnson, Gil Scott-Heron, Binyavanga Wainaina, Ntozake Shange, Tyler Perry and Dick Gregory. This paper shows that although there has been progress since the days of the 'Slave Narratives', the shadow of racism still hangs over the literary world, especially for Black writers.

Indian Literatures at a Glance, 2019

This research document provides insights into the literatures of the Indian sub-continent and som... more This research document provides insights into the literatures of the Indian sub-continent and some of the most notable scribes. The specific topics include: an overview of the Indian literary scene, 'book cafes', academia and literary criticism, international impact, famous scribes, journals, languages and translation.

Piece of the Pie: A Taste of North American Literature, 2019

This research document gives a concise overview of North American (USA) literature, starting from... more This research document gives a concise overview of North American (USA) literature, starting from the Oral Literature of the Native Americans (aka Red Indians). It's particularly useful for scholars/researchers/writers interested in Comparative Literature, Cultural Studies, World Literature and the book publishing industry. Specific topics covered here include: Pioneering Writers, Breaking With Britain, Literary Theory and Critcism, Classics, Bestellers/Popular Fiction, Libraries, Creative Non-Fiction and Awards/Honours.

Kiswahili, a phonetic Bantu language, is fast gaining currency across the Africa continent. Its s... more Kiswahili, a phonetic Bantu language, is fast gaining currency across the Africa continent. Its status as a lingua franca became clear when it became the first African language to be adopted as a 'working language' by the African Union. Although it began in Eastern Africa, Kiswahili is taught and spoken as far away as Ghana and South Africa. As of mid-2018, Kiswahili was the third most spoken language in Africa, after English and Arabic.

This research traces and confirms Kiswahili's dominant status on the continent. It also gives valuable insights into Kiswahili Literature, covering the history, categories, classic works, and literary giants of this growing genre.

‘I want theatre in Kenya to be truly professional. You, as an actor, can be a brand. And make mon... more ‘I want theatre in Kenya to be truly professional. You, as an actor, can be a brand. And make money…The quality of the shows has really gone high because the professionalism of the performers.’ – David Opondoe, Managing Director of Phoenix Theatre, speaking at the Kenya Cultural Centre in August, 2013

This unparalleled analysis of Kenyan theatrical activity and the lessons we can learn from other theatre communities, like Broadway, is invaluable for thespians, art critics, theatre students and other stakeholders.