A Comparative Analysis of Postcolonial Identity in Contemporary British and West African Literature

Thesis Abstract

This study investigates the conceptualization and portrayal of postcolonial identity in contemporary British and West African literature, aiming to elucidate the similarities and differences in how these two regions negotiate their colonial histories through literary expression. The research addresses the growing scholarly interest in postcolonial identity formation, yet identifies a gap in comparative analyses that directly juxtapose narratives from Britain and West Africa within the contemporary literary landscape. The primary objective is to analyze literary texts published between 2000 and 2022 to understand the cultural, political, and social dimensions of postcolonial identity in these regions. Specific objectives include examining thematic representations, linguistic strategies, and symbolic motifs that authors employ to depict identity struggles, as well as evaluating the influence of historical and socio-political contexts on these representations. Employing a qualitative research design grounded in comparative literary analysis, the study adopts a purposive sampling technique to select twenty-five literary works—thirteen from British authors and twelve from West African writers—ensuring diversity across genres such as novel, poetry, and drama. Data collection involves comprehensive textual analysis supported by semi-structured interviews with five prominent authors from each region, aimed at contextualizing literary interpretations. Thematic analysis serves as the primary analytical technique, facilitated by NVivo software to identify recurring motifs, metaphors, and discursive patterns. To frame the analysis, the study utilizes Homi Bhabha’s theory of hybridity and Stuart Hall’s conceptualization of cultural identity, providing theoretical lenses to interrogate narrative strategies and identity representations. Expected findings indicate that both British and West African writers engage with themes of cultural hybridity, postcolonial trauma, and identity fragmentation, yet differ in their modes of resistance and negotiation. West African literature tends to foreground collective memory, oral traditions, and resistance to neocolonial influences, whereas British texts often explore the diasporic sense of displacement, racial identity, and the legacy of empire. Notably, the study anticipates revealing a hybridization of narrative voices in West African literature that challenges colonial narratives, alongside a nuanced depiction of multicultural identities within Britain, reflecting recent migration trends. This research contributes to existing scholarship by offering a nuanced comparative framework that bridges postcolonial literary analyses from both regions, thereby enhancing understanding of regional variations and commonalities in identity representation. The integration of multiple genres and the inclusion of authorial perspectives via interviews further enrich the interpretive depth. The findings are expected to demonstrate that postcolonial identity in contemporary literature functions as a dynamic, contested space shaping societal discourse and individual agency. The study concludes that the literary expressions of postcolonial identity are deeply intertwined with ongoing socio-political transformations and cultural dialogues. It recommends increased cross-regional literary collaborations, integration of oral traditions in academic discourse, and critical engagement with diaspora narratives to foster a more holistic understanding of postcolonial identities. Future research could expand on comparative analyses to include digital media and performative arts within a broader transnational framework. Overall, this study underscores the vital role of contemporary literature as a site of resistance, negotiation, and redefinition of postcolonial identities in a globalized era.