Niyi Osundare and the search for a unique language of literary expression

Abstract

The search for a suitable linguistic medium for literary expression has remained a major challenge for the African writer. Over four decades ago, Obi Wali predicted that African indigenous languages were going to replace English as a language of literary expression (13-15). This, and other similar opinions were, perhaps, mainly based on political sentiments and linguistic nationalism rather than on critical and objective assessment of reality, because, forty years after, English has proved to be an eternal legacy to post-colonial Africa, and has continued to shape every aspect of many African nations in the new global enterprise. This paper examines Niyi Osundare's peculiar use of the English Language in his poetry and argues that his search for the quintessential language for artistic expression has given the English language a new outlook which ultimately solidifies its place in this part of the world.