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If you’re aiming to qualify for the UGC-NET English literature, you must know every aspect of the South-African literature. Not just because it is part of the NET JRF English literature syllabus but also to understand certain research methods in English literature including fictionalization. Every literature is philosophical in nature. So, you must also understand the philosophical underpinnings behind what is already written. Do you agree? In this blog, we will briefly discuss the Ubuntu Philosophy within the context of South-African literature. Additionally, we will also learn a bit about a particular research method associated with narrative analysis. What’s that? It’s called fictionalization. So, you have quite a few things to look forward to in this blog. Keep your pens and diary handy. 

Let’s discuss the Ubuntu Philosophy first. 

What’s the Ubuntu Philosophy?

According to Julian Müller, John Eliastam, and Sheila Trahar in their edited book Unfolding Narratives of Ubuntu in Southern Africa discussed the idea of Ubuntu as the conception of personhood wherein “persons depend on other persons in order to be.” The father of Ubuntu Philosophy, Emeritus Desmond Tutu defined it as “I am human because I belong” and “social harmony is for us summum bonum- the greatest good.” The editors agreed to the Tutu’s thought process and claimed that Ubuntu was not a fixed concept to be taken out of the past and polished for current generation. So, what is it then? A dynamic value that finds new embodiment in every new context. 

How did the Ubuntu Philosophy emerge?

Ubuntu is a Nguni Bantu term that means “humanity” or “I am because we are.” It is a philosophy that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all human beings and the importance of community. The origins of Ubuntu Philosophy can be traced back to indigenous African communities. It was considered a way of life that shaped the socio-cultural landscape of South Africa. However, in the 20th century, Ubuntu philosophy emerged as a socio-political movement. The philosophy was used against the oppressive policies of the apartheid regime and promote a just and equitable society.  

Nature of the Ubuntu Philosophy

This a philosophy belonging from the humanist tradition. It emphasizes the concept of belongingness wherein we are all connected to each other. Further, the Ubuntu Philosophy is a way of being that promotes empathy, compassion, and respect for others. Now-a-days, the Ubuntu Philosophy is the guiding light that reminds us of the shared humanity and importance of working together to create a better world. 

Influence of the Ubuntu Philosophy in South-African Literature 

South African literature is a major space where the philosophy of Ubuntu has had a significant impact. Literature is an essential part of South African culture, and it is a way for people to express themselves and connect with others. The literature of South Africa is a blend of traditional African literature and Western literature. The philosophy of Ubuntu has influenced South African literature in many ways. Many South African writers create literature that celebrates the community and the interconnectedness of all people. The literature of South Africa is also known for its vivid descriptions and powerful imagery. This is a reflection of the country’s diverse cultural heritage.

Ah, sounds interesting! Here’s a list of top 10 authors who have actually used the Ubuntu Philosophy in their works. This is equally important from the UGC-NET English exam point of view. So, do read their works. 

1. Chinua Achebe (1930-2013) was a Nigerian novelist, poet, professor, and critic. Here’s a brief biography along with his major works and achievements:

Chinua Achebe was born on November 16, 1930, in Ogidi, Nigeria. He studied English, history, and theology at the University of Ibadan and later worked as a broadcaster for the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation. He gained international acclaim for his novels depicting African culture and the effects of colonialism.

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His Works: 

1. “Things Fall Apart” (1958): Achebe’s debut novel, it is considered a classic of modern African literature. It explores the clash between Igbo tradition and British colonialism in Nigeria.
2. “No Longer at Ease” (1960): This novel follows the life of Obi Okonkwo, the grandson of Okonkwo from “Things Fall Apart,” as he struggles with corruption and cultural change in post-colonial Nigeria.
3. “Arrow of God” (1964): The novel examines the impact of colonialism and Christianity on traditional Igbo society through the story of Ezeulu, the high priest of Ulu.
4. “A Man of the People” (1966): A satirical novel set in post-independence Nigeria, it critiques political corruption and betrayal.
5. “Anthills of the Savannah” (1987): Achebe’s last completed novel, it portrays the political turmoil in an imaginary West African country and explores themes of power and dictatorship.

Another interesting fact about Achebe is that throughout his life, he advocated for the recognition and celebration of African identity and culture, both in his writings and in his public speeches and essays.

2. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichieis a renowned Nigerian author and feminist. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was born on September 15, 1977, in Enugu, Nigeria. She grew up in Nsukka, where she attended primary and secondary schools. Adichie later moved to the United States to study communication and political science at Eastern Connecticut State University and then pursued a master’s degree in creative writing at Johns Hopkins University and a master’s degree in African studies at Yale University.

Works and Dates:

1. Purple Hibiscus (2003) – Adichie’s debut novel, which won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book in 2005.
2. Half of a Yellow Sun(2006) – This novel won the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2007 and was adapted into a film in 2013.
3. The Thing Around Your Neck (2009) – A collection of short stories.
4. Americanah (2013) – A critically acclaimed novel exploring race, identity, and love, which won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction in 2013.
5. We Should All Be Feminists (2014) – Based on her TEDx talk of the same name, this essay was published as a book and has become a rallying cry for contemporary feminism.
6. Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions (2017) – Another essay addressing feminism, written as advice to a friend on how to raise her daughter as a feminist.
7. Zikora (2020) – A short novel exploring motherhood and identity.
8. Nadine Gordimerwas a South African writer and political activist, born on November 20, 1923, and passed away on July 13, 2014. She was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1991 for her intense and articulate prose that depicted the harsh realities of apartheid in South Africa. Throughout her life, Gordimer was actively involved in the anti-apartheid movement and used her writing to criticize and challenge the oppressive regime.

Major Works and Dates:

1. “The Lying Days” (1953) – Gordimer’s first novel, exploring the coming-of-age of a young white woman in South Africa.
2. “A World of Strangers” (1958) – A novel examining racial and social tensions in Johannesburg.
3. “July’s People” (1981) – A novel imagining a future South Africa on the brink of revolution.
4. “Burger’s Daughter” (1979) – A novel chronicling the life of the daughter of a martyred anti-apartheid activist.
5. “The Conservationist” (1974) – A novel that won the Booker Prize, portraying the complexities of race and class in South Africa.
6. “The Pickup” (2001) – A novel exploring themes of immigration, identity, and cultural displacement.
7. J.M. Coetzeeis a South African-born novelist, essayist, linguist, translator, and recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2003. He was born on February 9, 1940, in Cape Town, South Africa. Coetzee studied at the University of Cape Town and later earned a Ph.D. in English from the University of Texas at Austin. He has held academic positions in the United States, England, and South Africa, focusing on English literature and linguistics.

Major Works and Dates:

1. “Dusklands” (1974) – Coetzee’s debut novel, consisting of two novellas, “The Vietnam Project” and “The Narrative of Jacobus Coetzee.”
2. “In the Heart of the Country” (1977) – A novel set in South Africa, exploring themes of power, identity, and colonialism.
3. “Waiting for the Barbarians” (1980) – This novel examines the effects of colonialism and oppression in an unnamed empire.
4. “Life & Times of Michael K” (1983) – Winner of the Booker Prize, this novel follows the journey of a man trying to find peace in a war-torn South Africa. 
5. “Foe” (1986) – A reimagining of Daniel Defoe’s “Robinson Crusoe,” focusing on the character of Friday and themes of power and representation.
6. “Age of Iron” (1990) – Set during apartheid, this novel portrays the life of a retired professor and her relationship with a homeless man.
7. “The Master of Petersburg” (1994) – A fictionalized account of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s life in St. Petersburg.
8. “Disgrace” (1999) – Winner of the Booker Prize, this novel delves into issues of race, power, and redemption in post-apartheid South Africa.
9. “Elizabeth Costello” (2003) – A novel exploring themes of literature, morality, and the role of the writer.
10. “Diary of a Bad Year” (2007) – A novel that incorporates essays, focusing on a writer’s encounters with a young woman and her financier boyfriend.
11. “Summertime” (2009) – Part of the “autobiographical trilogy,” fictionalizing Coetzee’s life through interviews with people who knew him.
12. “The Childhood of Jesus” (2013) – The first book in a trilogy, exploring themes of displacement and identity.
13. “The Schooldays of Jesus” (2016) – The second book in the trilogy, continuing the story of the characters introduced in “The Childhood of Jesus.”
14. “The Death of Jesus” (2019) – The final book in the trilogy, completing the story arc of the characters.
15. Ayi Kwei Armah is a Ghanaian writer born on October 28, 1939. He is best known for his novels exploring the impact of colonialism and neocolonialism on African societies. Armah’s achievements in the literary field include his significant contributions to African literature, particularly in challenging colonial narratives and advocating for African agency and self-determination. His works have earned him international recognition and established him as a leading voice in post-colonial literature.

Notable works:

1. “The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born” (1968) – This debut novel depicts the moral and political corruption in post-independence Ghana.
2. “Fragments” (1971) – A collection of essays addressing various aspects of African society and its challenges.
3. “Two Thousand Seasons” (1973) – This novel traces the history of Africa from pre-colonial times to the era of European colonization.
4. “The Healers” (1979) – Explores the theme of cultural identity and the clash between traditional and modern values.
5. “The Eloquence of the Scribes” (2006) – A critique of contemporary African leadership and the erosion of traditional African values.
6. Bessie Headwas a prominent South African-born writer known for her insightful explorations of race, identity, and social issues. Born on July 6, 1937, in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, she faced discrimination under apartheid, which heavily influenced her writing. In 1964, she moved to Botswana, where she became a citizen and spent most of her life. Bessie Head’s achievements in the literary field include being awarded the Order of Ikhamanga posthumously by the South African government in 2007 for her contribution to literature and her role in promoting social justice. She is also celebrated for her unique narrative style, blending elements of African storytelling traditions with modern literary techniques.

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Notable works:

1. “When Rain Clouds Gather” (1969) – A novel exploring political and social issues in Botswana.
2. “Maru” (1971) – A novel examining interracial relationships and cultural clashes.
3. “A Question of Power” (1973) – A semi-autobiographical novel delving into themes of mental illness and colonialism.
4. “The Collector of Treasures and Other Botswana Village Tales” (1977) – A collection of short stories celebrating the lives of ordinary people in Botswana.
5. Lewis Nkosi(1936–2010) was a prominent South African writer, journalist, and literary critic. He is best known for his insightful commentary on apartheid South Africa and his contributions to post-colonial literature. Throughout his career, Nkosi made significant contributions to the literary field, including his incisive critiques of apartheid and colonialism, as well as his advocacy for African literature. 

Some of his notable works include:

1. “Mating Birds” (1986) – Nkosi’s first novel, which explores themes of exile, identity, and the search for belonging.
2. “The Rhythm of Violence” (1988) – A collection of short stories that delves into the complexities of human relationships and societal injustices.
3. “Tasks and Masks: Themes and Styles of African Literature” (1981) – A seminal work of literary criticism that examines the development and themes of African literature.
4. “Home and Exile” (1965) – An autobiographical work in which Nkosi reflects on his experiences as a South African writer living in exile.
5. Nuruddin Farahis a renowned Somali writer known for his novels exploring themes of identity, politics, and society. Born on November 24, 1945, in Baidoa, Italian Somaliland (now Somalia), Farah’s literary career spans several decades. Farah’s achievements in the literary field include being awarded the Neustadt International Prize for Literature in 1998 and being shortlisted for the Booker Prize multiple times. He is celebrated for his insightful portrayal of Somali society and his skillful exploration of universal themes such as love, loss, and resilience. Additionally, Farah’s work has contributed to a greater understanding of African literature on the global stage.

Some of his notable works include:

1. “From a Crooked Rib” (1970) – Farah’s debut novel, which portrays the struggles of a young Somali woman in a patriarchal society.
2. “A Naked Needle” (1976) – This novel delves into the complexities of urban life in Somalia.
3. “Sweet and Sour Milk” (1979) – The first book in Farah’s “Blood in the Sun” trilogy, focusing on the political turmoil in Somalia during the 1970s.
4. “Sardines” (1981) – The second installment in the “Blood in the Sun” trilogy, exploring the impact of dictatorship on individuals and families.
5. “Close Sesame” (1983) – The concluding novel in the “Blood in the Sun” trilogy, examining the challenges of exile and returning home.
6. “Maps” (1986) – This novel delves into themes of memory, loss, and displacement through the story of a Somali expatriate.
7. “Secrets” (1998) – Farah’s exploration of the power dynamics within a Somali family, set against the backdrop of civil war.
8. “Links” (2003) – A novel that intertwines the lives of characters living in different parts of the world, reflecting on globalization and interconnectedness.
9. “Knots” (2007) – The first book in Farah’s “Blood in the Sun” quartet, which revisits themes of political upheaval and personal struggle in Somalia.
10. “Crossbones” (2011) – The second installment in the “Blood in the Sun” quartet, focusing on terrorism and its effects on society.
11. “Hiding in Plain Sight” (2014) – A novel exploring the aftermath of war and the search for identity.
12. Aminatta Fornais a British-Sierra Leonean author known for her novels and essays exploring themes of identity, displacement, and conflict. Her experiences have influenced her writing, which often delves into complex human experiences set against the backdrop of social and political turmoil.

Works:

1. “The Devil that Danced on the Water: A Daughter’s Quest” (2002) – Memoir
2. “Ancestor Stones” (2006) – Novel
3. “The Memory of Love” (2010) – Novel
4. “The Hired Man” (2013) – Novel
5. “Happiness” (2018) – Novel
6. “The Window Seat: Notes from a Life in Motion” (2021) – Essay collection

Achievements:

– Forna’s novel “The Devil that Danced on the Water” was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize.

– “Ancestor Stones” won the Hurston-Wright Legacy Award for Debut Fiction.

– “The Memory of Love” won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best Book.

– Forna has been a finalist for the Orange Prize for Fiction and the International Dublin Literary Award.

– She has been awarded the Windham-Campbell Prize for Fiction for her outstanding body of work.

10. Ama Ata Aidoois a Ghanaian author and playwright born on March 23, 1942. Her literary career spans decades, marked by notable achievements and contributions to African literature. Ama Ata Aidoo was born in Abeadzi Kyiakor, Gold Coast (now Ghana).  She attended Wesley Girls’ High School and later pursued higher education at the University of Ghana and the University of London. Aidoo has held various academic positions, including teaching at universities in Ghana and the United States. Throughout her career, she has been an advocate for women’s rights and gender equality.

Notable Works and Dates:

1. “The Dilemma of a Ghost” (1965) – This was Aidoo’s debut play, exploring themes of cultural clashes and identity.
2. “Anowa” (1970) – Another significant play addressing gender roles and societal expectations.
3. “No Sweetness Here and Other Stories” (1970) – A collection of short stories reflecting on postcolonial Ghanaian society.
4. “Our Sister Killjoy” (1977) – A novel that delves into the experiences of an African woman living in Europe.
5. “Changes: A Love Story” (1991) – A novel exploring themes of love, marriage, and independence. 
6. “The Girl Who Can” (1997) – A children’s book celebrating the power of imagination and creativity.
7. “Diplomatic Pounds and Other Stories” (2012) – A collection of short stories touching on various aspects of African life.

Achievements:

– Aidoo’s works have been praised for their exploration of African identity, culture, and gender dynamics.

– She has received numerous awards, including the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best Book (Africa region) for “Our Sister Killjoy.”

– Aidoo has been a prominent figure in the literary world, serving as a mentor and inspiration for younger generations of African writers.

– Her contributions to literature have earned her international recognition and acclaim, solidifying her place as one of Africa’s most influential authors.

– Ama Ata Aidoo’s impact extends beyond her written works, as she continues to be a voice for social justice and cultural understanding in Africa and beyond.

So, these are a few prominent writers in the African literature whose works have somewhat dealt with the Ubuntu Philosophy. 

As promised, let’s discuss the fictionalization as a research method now. The edited book Unfolding Narratives of Ubuntu in Southern Africa focuses on this method. Let’s familiarize with it. 

What’s fictionalization?

Fictionalisation is a “device used by many narrative inquirers to communicate co- constructed narratives, or to bring to the awareness of readers complex situations that may be difficult to do otherwise.” It can be a means to tell a story that is “based on ‘real’ events to produce a version of the ‘truth’ as she or he sees it.”

So, you can see how examining the literature could help you explore new ways to conduct research. However, it is more suited to social science research but could be relevant in English literature. So, if you’re interested to deeply engage with literature, you can join the Sahitya Classes, the best UGC-NET coaching in Delhi. At Sahitya Classes, you will get comprehensive crash course for UGC-NET English in which all topics in the UGC NET English literature syllabus will be covered. Additionally, you will get PYQs, test-series, free paper 1 classes, and rapid-fire quiz sessions. You will also get UGC NET English study material pdf. So, if you’re looking for UGC-NET online classes, you can consider Sahitya Classes as you can prefer to study anytime, anywhere. You can join the next offline batch starting from January 15, 2025. So, why wait? Enroll now!

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