Introduction: “The Tension Between National And Imperialist Culture” by Ngugi Wa Thiong’O
“The Tension Between National and Imperialist Culture” by Ngugi Wa Thiong’o first appeared in 1984 in the journal World Literature Written in English. This seminal essay explores the intricate interplay between national and imperialist cultures, particularly within the context of post-colonial Africa. Ngugi argues that the imposition of imperialist languages and cultures has had a profound impact on the development of national identities, leading to a tension between the desire to preserve indigenous cultural heritage and the pressures to conform to dominant Western norms.
Summary of “The Tension Between National And Imperialist Culture” by Ngugi Wa Thiong’O
1. Discomfort with the Concept of “Commonwealth” Literature
- Ngugi wa Thiong’o challenges the validity of “Commonwealth” literature, arguing that it artificially groups together literatures based solely on their relationship with the British crown. He asserts that there is greater coherence between literatures from colonized countries across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia than between British Commonwealth nations.
- Quotation: “The concept groups together literatures and cultures which do not necessarily cohere, or rather, whose basis of coherence is their relationship to the British throne.”
2. Critique of “Indigenous” vs “Metropolitan” Cultures
- Ngugi questions the dichotomy of “indigenous” and “metropolitan” cultures, proposing that the real struggle is between national democratic cultures of Africa and imperialist cultures from the West. He believes these terms obscure the reality of global imperialism and the ongoing tensions between colonized peoples and imperial powers.
- Quotation: “The real terms are ‘national democratic’ cultures and ‘imperialist’ cultures, and the real tension is between the national cultures of Africa and the imperialist cultures of Japan, western Europe and the United States.”
3. The Role of Language in Cultural Imperialism
- Language, according to Ngugi, is central to the cultural struggle, as colonizers imposed their languages on colonized peoples to suppress local cultures and values. He emphasizes that language carries culture, and by destroying native languages, imperial powers sought to erase indigenous cultures.
- Quotation: “Language is a carrier of a people’s culture…by destroying or underdeveloping people’s languages, the colonizing nations were deliberately killing or underdeveloping the cultures, values and consciousness of the people.”
4. Ngugi’s Shift from English to Native Language Writing
- Ngugi recounts his personal journey from writing in English to embracing his native Kikuyu language. He reflects on the realization that using the language of colonizers perpetuated cultural domination, and describes how his involvement in grassroots cultural projects helped reconnect him with his native language and the peasants’ history.
- Quotation: “The very fact that we had to ask ourselves in what language we were going to write a play is itself a telling point about how far gone we were.”
5. Kamiriithu Community Cultural Centre: A People’s Cultural Revolution
- Ngugi details his involvement with the Kamiriithu Cultural Centre, where local peasants and workers used theatre to assert their cultural identity. This cultural development, rooted in the people’s own language and history, led to confrontations with the Kenyan government, which saw it as a threat to its neo-colonial agenda.
- Quotation: “Kamiriithu symbolized the awakening of the people to their historic mission of liberating themselves and building a new life free from the imperialist stranglehold.”
6. Government Repression of National Democratic Cultures
- The Kenyan government’s suppression of the Kamiriithu Cultural Centre and its destruction of the community-built theatre are presented as examples of how neo-colonial regimes work with imperial powers to suppress national democratic cultures in favor of foreign interests.
- Quotation: “Imperialism and its Kenyan allies were not pleased…Kamiriithu as a symbol had to go.”
7. Contradictions in Cultural Promotion: National vs Imperialist
- Ngugi contrasts the Kenyan government’s promotion of foreign imperialist cultural productions, such as the ballet Alice in Wonderland and the film The Flame Trees of Thika, with its repression of local cultural initiatives like the Kamiriithu theatre, which focused on the people’s struggles.
- Quotation: “They could spend state money to buy a basically racist film…whereas a play written in a Kenyan language…would not be allowed on the premises of the National Theatre.”
8. Cultural Repression and Global Economic Interests
- Ngugi ties the repression of African cultures and languages to broader Western economic and military interests. He argues that repressive regimes, such as Kenya’s, are supported by Western powers to ensure stability for foreign investments, even at the cost of suppressing national democratic movements.
- Quotation: “The repression of national democratic cultures, of national languages…is done precisely to keep the country stable for investments from West Germany, France, Sweden, Britain and North America.”
9. Conclusion: Culture, Language, and Political Struggle
- Ngugi concludes that the tension between cultures is inextricably linked to the political and economic exploitation of African countries. He calls for raising voices against cultural repression and for the preservation of national languages and democratic rights.
- Quotation: “We must remember what is behind that particular tension…the continued exploitation of the African countries and the continued oppression of ordinary people in Africa and the Third World on behalf of imperialism.”
Literary Terms/Concepts in “The Tension Between National And Imperialist Culture” by Ngugi Wa Thiong’O
| Term/Concept | Definition | Example from Text |
| Cultural Imperialism | The imposition of a dominant culture, often through language, on a subordinate culture. | “The colonizing nations… imposed their languages on the colonized peoples.” |
| Neo-Colonialism | The continued domination of a former colony by its former colonizer, often through economic and political means. | “The tension generated by the struggles of the African masses against these comprador minority regimes is necessarily a tension between the national democratic assertion and the neocolonial forces of imperialism.” |
| National Culture | A culture that is rooted in the history, traditions, and values of a particular nation. | “Kamiriithu celebrated the history of the Kenyan people’s struggle against colonialism and neo-colonialism.” |
| Indigenous Language | A language that is native to a particular region or country. | “In the Kikuyu language” |
| Alienation | The feeling of being isolated or separated from one’s culture or identity. | “The imposition of imperialist languages and cultures has had a profound impact on the development of national desire to preserve indigenous cultural heritage and the pressures to conform to dominant Western norms.” |
| Cultural Resistance | The active struggle to preserve and promote a culture against the influence of a dominant culture. | “Kamiriithu as a symbol had to go. The final coup de grâce in 1982 was authorized by President Moi through his provincial commissioner. But the questions are these: How do you kill an idea? How do you silence the throbbings of a national democratic culture?” |
Contribution of “The Tension Between National And Imperialist Culture” by Ngugi Wa Thiong’O to Literary Theory/Theories
Postcolonial Theory
- Deconstruction of colonial discourse: Thiong’o’s essay challenges the dominant narratives of colonialism and imperialism, exposing their underlying power structures and ideological biases. This contribution aligns with postcolonial theory’s emphasis on critiquing and subverting colonial discourses.
- Revalorization of indigenous cultures: By advocating for the use of indigenous languages and celebrating national cultures, Thiong’o contributes to the postcolonial project of reclaiming and valuing marginalized cultural traditions. This aligns with postcolonial theory’s focus on cultural recovery and resistance.
- Critique of cultural imperialism: Thiong’o’s analysis of the imposition of imperialist languages and cultures highlights the detrimental effects of cultural imperialism on colonized peoples. This contribution aligns with postcolonial theory’s critique of the ways in which dominant cultures are imposed on and suppress subordinate cultures.
Marxist Theory
- Economic determinism: Thiong’o’s essay suggests that cultural struggles are often rooted in economic inequalities and power imbalances. This aligns with Marxist theory’s emphasis on the material basis of social phenomena.
- Class struggle: The essay explores the tension between the ruling classes and the working classes, particularly in the context of neo-colonialism. This contribution aligns with Marxist theory’s analysis of class conflict and exploitation.
- Cultural hegemony: Thiong’o’s analysis of the role of language and culture in maintaining imperialist dominance aligns with Marxist concepts of cultural hegemony. This contribution aligns with Marxist theory’s critique of the ways in which dominant ideologies are used to maintain power structures.
New Historicism
- Contextualization of literature: Thiong’o’s essay emphasizes the importance of understanding literature within its specific historical and social context, particularly in relation to colonialism and imperialism. This aligns with New Historicism’s focus on the interrelationship between literature and history.
- Power and discourse: The essay examines how language and discourse are used to maintain power structures and perpetuate colonial ideologies. This contribution aligns with New Historicism’s analysis of the ways in which power is produced and reproduced through language and culture.
- Subaltern studies: Thiong’o’s focus on the voices and experiences of marginalized communities contributes to the field of subaltern studies. This contribution aligns with New Historicism’s emphasis on giving voice to marginalized perspectives and challenging dominant narratives.
Poststructuralism
- Deconstruction of binary oppositions: Thiong’o challenges the binary opposition between “indigenous” and “metropolitan” cultures, arguing for a more complex and nuanced understanding of cultural identity. This contribution aligns with poststructuralism’s critique of binary oppositions and its emphasis on the deconstruction of fixed meanings.
- Discourse analysis: The essay analyzes the ways in which language and discourse shape our understanding of the world and construct social realities. This contribution aligns with poststructuralism’s focus on the study of discourse and its effects on power and subjectivity.
- Subjectivity and power: Thiong’o’s exploration of the relationship between subjectivity and power aligns with poststructuralist theories of identity formation. This contribution aligns with poststructuralism’s emphasis on the construction of subjectivity and its relationship to power structures.
Examples of Critiques Through “The Tension Between National And Imperialist Culture” by Ngugi Wa Thiong’O
| Literary Work & Author | Critique Through Ngugi’s Lens | Example of Tension |
| Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe | Ngugi would critique Achebe’s depiction of the clash between indigenous Igbo culture and British imperialism. Achebe portrays the dismantling of Igbo society by colonial forces, which mirrors Ngugi’s argument about the cultural destruction by imperial languages and values. | The imposition of British legal and religious systems on Igbo society represents the tension between African national culture and Western imperialism. |
| A Passage to India by E.M. Forster | Ngugi would view Forster’s work as illustrating the cultural divide between the British colonizers and the Indian population. Although Forster attempts to humanize both groups, Ngugi might critique the depiction of Indian culture through a British lens, reflecting the imperialist narrative. | The portrayal of British officials in India as superior, despite their inability to understand or respect Indian culture, showcases the imperialist domination over the colonized society. |
| The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon | Ngugi would resonate with Fanon’s analysis of the psychological effects of colonialism. Fanon’s call for cultural liberation aligns with Ngugi’s view of the importance of reclaiming national languages and cultures to resist imperialist domination. | Fanon’s call for a rejection of colonial culture and the creation of a national culture parallels Ngugi’s assertion that language and culture are key to resisting imperialism. |
| Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad | Ngugi might critique Conrad’s depiction of Africa as a “dark continent,” which reinforces imperialist stereotypes. The portrayal of Africans as silent and primitive could be seen as part of the cultural imperialism Ngugi discusses, where European values dominate and dehumanize African cultures. | The novel’s depiction of Africa as mysterious and savage reflects the imperialist worldview that Ngugi criticizes, where colonized peoples are denied their history and cultural complexity. |
Criticism Against “The Tension Between National And Imperialist Culture” by Ngugi Wa Thiong’O
- Essentialism: Some critics argue that Thiong’o’s essay essentializes national cultures, assuming a monolithic and homogenous identity for all members of a particular nation. This criticism suggests that his approach may overlook the diversity and complexity of cultural experiences within a nation.
- Western-centric framework: While Thiong’o is critical of Western imperialism, some critics argue that his analysis still relies on a Western framework of understanding and categorization. This criticism suggests that his approach may not fully capture the nuances of non-Western cultural perspectives.
- Overemphasis on language: While language is undoubtedly a crucial aspect of cultural identity, some critics argue that Thiong’o overemphasizes the role of language at the expense of other cultural factors such as social structures, economic conditions, and historical context. This criticism suggests that a more comprehensive understanding of cultural tension requires a broader analysis of these factors.
- Neglect of internal contradictions: Some critics argue that Thiong’o’s focus on the external tensions between national and imperialist cultures may overlook the internal contradictions and conflicts within national cultures themselves. This criticism suggests that a more nuanced understanding of cultural dynamics requires an examination of both external and internal factors.
- Limited scope: Some critics argue that Thiong’o’s essay primarily focuses on the experiences of African nations, neglecting the experiences of other colonized peoples in the Third World. This criticism suggests that a more comprehensive analysis of cultural imperialism requires a broader comparative perspective.
- Oversimplification of imperialism: Some critics argue that Thiong’o’s portrayal of imperialism may be overly simplistic, failing to account for the complex and varied forms of imperialist domination. This criticism suggests that a more nuanced understanding of imperialism requires a more sophisticated analysis of its historical and contemporary manifestations.
Suggested Readings: “The Tension Between National And Imperialist Culture” by Ngugi Wa Thiong’O
- Ngugi wa Thiong’o. Decolonising the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Literature. Heinemann, 1986.
- Irele, Abiola. The African Imagination: Literature in Africa and the Black Diaspora. Oxford University Press, 2001.
- Ashcroft, Bill, et al. The Empire Writes Back: Theory and Practice in Post-Colonial Literatures. Routledge, 1989. https://www.routledge.com/The-Empire-Writes-Back-Theory-and-Practice-in-Post-Colonial-Literatures/Ashcroft-Griffiths-Tiffin/p/book/9780415280204
- Fanon, Frantz. The Wretched of the Earth. Grove Press, 1963. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/573723/the-wretched-of-the-earth-by-frantz-fanon/
- Quayson, Ato. Postcolonialism: Theory, Practice, or Process? Polity Press, 2000.
Representative Quotations from “The Tension Between National And Imperialist Culture” by Ngugi Wa Thiong’O with Explanation
| Quotation | Explanation |
| “I must, at the very start, voice my strong discomfiture with the concept of ‘Commonwealth’ literature.” | Thiong’o rejects the concept of “Commonwealth” literature as a unifying framework, arguing that it obscures the diverse and often conflicting experiences of former colonized nations. |
| “Language is a carrier of a people’s culture. Culture is a carrier of a people’s values. Values are a carrier of a people’s outlook or consciousness and sense of identity.” | This quote highlights the interconnectedness of language, culture, and identity, emphasizing the importance of language in shaping a people’s worldview. |
| “The,result was often the creation of a minority who spoke and understood the language of imposition and who, in the process, had internalized the culture of imperialism.” | This quote describes the creation of a comprador class, a minority that internalizes imperialist values and becomes a tool of neo-colonial domination. |
| “In other words, a situation now arose where it was they, the peasants, who were laughing at our use of language.” | This quote illustrates the power dynamics between the writer and the peasants, as the peasants become teachers of language and culture. |
| “The very fact that we had to ask ourselves in what language we were going to write a play is itself a telling point about how far gone we were.” | This quote emphasizes the significance of language choice in the context of cultural resistance and the importance of reclaiming indigenous languages. |
| “Kamiriithu as a symbol had to go. The final coup de grâce in 1982 was authorized by President Moi through his provincial commissioner. But the questions are these: How do you kill an idea? How do you silence the throbbings of a national democratic culture?” | This quote highlights the repressive tactics used by neo-colonial regimes to suppress national cultures and democratic movements. |
| “Let me, in other words, show you the other side of the coin.” | This quote introduces the contrasting cultural influences that are promoted by neo-colonial regimes, such as Western pop culture and imperialism. |
| “The repression of national democratic cultures, of national languages, in a place like Kenya is done precisely to keep the country stable for investments from West Germany, France, Sweden, Britain and North America.” | This quote reveals the economic motivations behind cultural repression, as neo-colonial regimes seek to maintain a stable environment for foreign investment. |
| “And whether we call it tension between ‘indigenous’ and ‘metropolitan’ cultures or whatever, we must remember what is behind that particular tension.” | This quote emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying power dynamics and political struggles that shape cultural tensions. |
| “So we, who are concerned with these cultures, with these literatures, with these values, must at the same time necessarily be involved in raising our voices, wherever we are, against the repression of national cultures, national languages and particularly the repression of democratic rights.” | This quote calls for international solidarity and activism in support of national cultures and democratic struggles against imperialism. |