A review by anathereader8
Decolonizing Language and Other Revolutionary Ideas by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o

informative reflective slow-paced

4.25

 I knew this book was for me as soon as I saw it. Decolonizing Language immediately reminded me of my university days when I took various classes on linguistics, cultural specifics, and literature. This book brings all those elements together. 

Decolonizing Language is a collection of essays on the decolonization and colonization of language and the role it played in the broader colonization of countries. It explores the colonization of African nations by European powers and how this influence shaped African people's perceptions of themselves and their native languages. Many points surprised and shocked me, but then I recognized a similar attitude toward my own mother tongue. The realization made me uncomfortable. 

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, a Kenyan writer and academic, has studied the issue of colonization in depth. He successfully conveys the topic in accessible language while keeping it engaging for those with a linguistic background. 

I enjoyed reading the theoretical first part of the collection. Who knew I’d enjoy the second part even more? Discovering the details of Ngũgĩ’s relationships with politicians (including Nelson Mandela himself!) and African authors, as well as their literary journeys and contributions to decolonizing African languages, was fascinating. I cannot overstate how much the second part deepened my interest in exploring more African literature. 

I appreciate The New Press and NetGalley for granting me early access to this book. It was a pleasurable read, and I hope other readers will find it as intriguing as I did.