世界英文文學 印度 加勒比海 地區 南非 Fall, 2002 Kate Liu

What are World Literatures in English? n Two kinds of misunderstanding a/ English literature and World literature n Definitions (see course intro.)

Mapping World Literatures in English n

World Literatures in English: Major Concerns n 1. (De-)Colonization(De-)Colonization n 2. Migration, DiasporaMigration, Diaspora n 3. Identity: National, Cultural, & GenderIdentity

Major Concerns (1) Colonization n Colonization= one nation’s exploitation, control and possession of another nation on different levels n e.g. Slavery and Racism World Literatures in English

Major Concerns (1): Explicit Colonization Slavery & Racism World Literatures in English Image source: Identity and Difference 323 & 308 Example: Mansfield ParkMansfield Park

Major Concerns (1): Effects of Colonization n Unequal Power Relations –caused by and/or related to the two above –between different cultures, men and women, the colonizer and the colonized, the haves and have-nots, etc.. World Literatures in English Example: The English PatientThe English Patient

Major Concerns (1): Implicit Colonization n Dominance and narrow definitions of English and Eng. Literature –white man’s burden (e.g. My Fair Lady)My Fair Lady n Postcolonial Construction of national literature, e.g. India World Literatures in English

Exemplary view of “Standard English” n An Englishman’s way of speaking absolutely classifies him. The moment he talks, he makes some other Englishman despise him. One common language I’m afraid we’ll never get. Oh why can’t the English learn to— [paying for his coffee] Set a good example to people, who’s English, is painful to your ears. The Scotch and the Irish leave you close to tears! There are even places where English completely disappears, [receives his change] Why, in America they haven’t used it for years.

Major Concerns (2): Migration and Diaspora n Five kinds of Diaspora: –  Victim(e.g. Jews, Africans, Armenians), –  Labour (e.g. Indian, Chinese), –  Trade (e.g. Chinese and Lebanese), –  Imperial (e.g. the British), –Cultural diasporas. Source: Global Diaspora: An Introduction ix World Literatures in English

Major Concerns (2): Identity --Who am “I”? 1. National, Cultural, & Gender -- are all influenced and challenged by colonization and (multiple) migration – e.g. multiculturalism & double identity –(e.g. “What is Worth Knowing”) 2. Asserting one’s Identity thru’ –Language, Literature as well as Ways of Living and Acting.(e.g. “Situation”) World Literatures in English

World Literatures in English: Possible Difficulties & Relevance n Difficulties 1. Language 2. Culture and History 3. Some “Postcolonial” Styles n Relevance Chinese Diaspora and Taiwan’s experience of multiple colonization