Combining the Uneven: Literatures of the Lusophone Indian Ocean in the Context of World-Literature - Proposal for a Theoretical Approach Applied to Mozambican Literature

Author(s)

Banasiak, Marta

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PORTUGUESE STUDIES; v. 37, n. 2, p. 17-pg., 2021-01-01.

Abstract

In recent years, new tendencies have come to light in the field of literary studies, namely when it comes to what we can call (semi-)peripheral literatures, which until recently seemed to be 'comfortably' subsumed under the postcolonial label. Over time, (semi-)peripheral literatures have attained a more mature status; in addition, technical development and globalization have significantly changed the modes and spectrum of their circulation. This has fostered new theoretical perspectives for the analysis of such literatures, and, what is more, Postcolonial Theory itself has received several critiques and begun to undergo reformulation. In view of the above, in the present essay we propose to apply the theory of world-literature (as developed mainly, but not only, by Warwick Research Collective) to the literatures of the (Lusophone) Indian Ocean. Combined with theories of Indian Ocean Studies, it proves to be a particularly interesting analytical tool for this research field. This theoretical approach is being 'tested' on modern Mozambican narrative and allows us to think this narrative in the context of different systemic alliances. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/03902-9 - From the (semi-)periphery one can see the world: African literature in the context of world-literature
• Grantee: Marta Maria Banasiak
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral