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The first novel in Xhosa

Opland, Jeff

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Authors

Jeff Opland



Abstract

The first novel in the Xhosa language, USamson, written by the greatest figure in the history of Xhosa literature, S. E. K. Mqhayi (1875–1945), and published in 1907, is now lost. It was produced at a time when black people in South Africa were becoming bolder in their demand for human rights, forming independent black churches and political organizations. It appeared after a period of gestation for Xhosa literature in newspapers, at a time when missionaries were discussing the publication of books in Xhosa, but Mqhayi paid for its printing and organized its distribution. The novelette added details of setting and characterization to the biblical story to encourage the youth to gather behind black leaders who lacked support. Caught in the social tension between Xhosa and Mfengu, USamson was heavily criticized by I. W. Wauchope for departing from biblical narrative, but more generally defended by readers, who looked forward to the further publication of Xhosa literature in books.

Citation

Opland, J. (2007). The first novel in Xhosa. Research in African literatures, 38(4), 87-110. https://doi.org/10.2979/RAL.2007.38.4.87

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2007
Deposit Date Aug 5, 2009
Publicly Available Date Mar 10, 2025
Journal Research in African Literatures
Print ISSN 0034-5210
Electronic ISSN 1527-2044
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 38
Issue 4
Pages 87-110
DOI https://doi.org/10.2979/RAL.2007.38.4.87

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