| Abstract: |
This paper attempts a survey of the development of Igbo written Literature: from pre-colonial times, through colonial and to the post-colonial. Igbo written literature is defined as ‘literatureof and from Igbo’. The foundations of Igbo written literature are traced back to the middle of the 18th century. Precolonial literature showcases the traditional and cultural life pattern of the Igbo people. Modern Igbo literature emerged as enactment of Igbo contemporary life, instrument of struggle against oppression, corruption and exploitation by the colonial masters. Unfortunately, more than a couple of centuries on, Igbo literature is still faced with formidable challenges. Even though a great deal of achievement has been recorded since its inception in the 18th century, Igbo literature still has a long way to go in the struggle to fulfill its mission to foster socio-political justice and true liberty for the common Igbo people. In our textual analysis, we adopted the opinions of the three schools(the libertarian, the authoritative and the rationalist) on the debate on definition of Igbo literature. |
EBONYI JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE
