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Journal of African American Studies

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18-03-2019 | ARTICLES

From the Streets to the Ivory Tower: Kiswahili in African-American Cultural Discourse

Author: Steven M. Almquist

Published in: Journal of African American Studies | Issue 1-2/2019

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Abstract

“From the Streets to the Ivory Tower” provides an overview of the role Kiswahili, an East African language, has played in African-American cultural discourse. Highlighting selected texts, the essay argues Kiswahili contests the presumed primacy of Western languages and cultures and serves a transgressive, albeit somewhat contested, role in the burgeoning manifestations of Black Power/Nationalism/Diaspora. Debates about the language’s efficacy were common in academic and popular journals in the middle and second half of the twentieth century; however, all arguments notwithstanding, Kiswahili remains a recognizable, commonly taught, and often referenced African language—from literary texts (Scott-Heron, Killens, Reed) to advertisements (Afro Sheen) to cultural celebrations (Kwanzaa) to children’s books (Feelings)—in African-American discourse.

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Title: From the Streets to the Ivory Tower: Kiswahili in African-American Cultural Discourse
Author: Steven M. Almquist
Publication date: 18-03-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of African American Studies / Issue 1-2/2019
Print ISSN: 1559-1646
Electronic ISSN: 1936-4741
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12111-019-09428-8

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