- Scholars Debate on Afric

By Sam Okello

African scholars are causing

an intellectual debate on the use of indigenous African languages in African art, ac- cording to a recent issue of Race and Class Magazine. However, some scholars be- lieve that African literature should be written in a ‘Shomo- geneous’’ language that is understandable and shared by almost everybody. Such a belief is brought forward by virtue of the fact that in the past, African writers have published their literature in languages such as French and English. These writers have gained good international reputation for their literary work. For instance Nigerian playwright, poet and novelist Wole Soyinka last week be- came the first African to win the Nobel prize for literature in its 85 year history.

But the alarm that arises among certain scholars is that literary work should be based on an African source. The

scholars maintain the idea that a non-African language can- not retain its ‘‘African mould content’’. As a result African writers in English are con- sidered to belong to their own sub-cultural category rather than to the African literary tradition.

A Kenyan novelist, Ngugi wa Thiongo passionately ex- presses the idea of promoting

ethnic languages through their .

use in literature as an act of consequent promotion of posi- tive national image and pride.

Ngugi says ‘‘to neglect our languages, and blindly grab those of foreigners is tanta- mount to blashpemy ... People without their own languages are but mere slaves.’’

Another Kenyan writer, Gecau espouses the line of report on Kenya which he quotes: ‘‘tribal identity can have many positive aspects. It has been a major element in the HARAMBEE movement which has contributed so much to Kenya’s development

effort. Furthermore _ tribal identity is reinforced daily by the use of tribal languages, forklore and folk music, con- tinued geographic tribal clusters, eating habits and food pre- ferences, burial ceremonies

THE ANNUAL SKI

For the fourth year in a row, a bus load (maybe two busses this year) of party crazy, skiing and non skiing UPEI students will be taking Quebec City and Mount Ste. Anne by storm.

The UPEI SKI BASH, over the years has maintained a re- putation, not only in Char- lottetown, but also at Mt. Ste. Anne. Bartenders both at the hill and in the clubs of the city have recognized the UPEI partiers from previous years. It looks like UPEI is going to maintain its reputation again this year as the trip is already

proving to be one of the /

biggest and best yet.

of the Fleldand Sica ete ONE OF CHARLOTTETOWN’S

and so on. These tribal aspects of social life are Kenya’s posi- tive cultural heritage and are rightly encouraged by the organization and display of tribal dances, folk music and art cat!

The group will be staying at the three star hotel Clairendon (stumbling distance from the popular Vendridi 13) in the heart of Old Quebec City. A

shuttle bus will depart every’

morning (not too early!?!) for the 30 minute ride to Mount Sainte-Anne — recognized as one of the best ski resorts in Eastern Canada. If you don’t have your own equipment, don’t worry. A group rate of $35 (skis, boots, and poles) per person for the week has been arranged. And if you don’t ski (don’t worry, you won’t be the only one) ski lessons will be available.

At the end of the day join

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an Literature

Gecau concludes that since language is the fundamental vehicle of any culture, cutting off cultural development from its linguistic roots will lead toa lack of vitality to an artificial product.

BASH

the crowd for liquid refresh- ments at the bottom of the hill bar. For the many people who have been on previous year’s trips, the 1-3 hours daily party has proven to be the highlight of the trip. Anyone that says UPEI doesn’t have school spirit has not seen the students support the school in acrobatic dance floor competitions. Groups from many other campuses, from all over eastern and central Canada, have actually been jealous of the spirit and party capacity exhibited by the group from Prince Edward Island. Everyone’s stamina is tested

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