Literature Luncheon: China in Twentieth- and Twenty-First Century African literature

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – On Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, students and literature enthusiasts gathered in the Sparks Building at Penn State for a comparative literature luncheon featuring NYU professor Duncan M. Yoon.

The event, titled “China in Twentieth- and Twenty-First Century African Literature,” provided an in-depth exploration of the complex cultural exchanges between Africa and China, stretching from the Cold War to the present day.

Yoon’s talk was centered on his research, which examines how African authors have portrayed China’s growing influence on the continent, particularly through literature.

His analysis highlights how China, now a leading force in the global economy, has transformed patterns of globalization in Africa. His research draws on the works of both acclaimed and contemporary African authors, offering a detailed investigation into how these creative voices engage with China’s various roles in Africa’s history and current affairs.

Authors such as Kofi Awoonor, Henri Lopes, and Bessie Head represent the earlier literary responses to Chinese-African relations, while modern writers like Ufrieda Ho, Kwei Quartey, and Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor continue to grapple with these themes in their recent works.

The event showcased the diversity of African literary genres, with Yoon structuring his analysis around various forms of writing, including poetry, memoirs, popular fiction, and novels. Each genre offers unique insights into the themes that shape African literature’s portrayal of China.

One key theme discussed was resource extraction, highlighting how African literature critically addresses the exploitation of Africa’s natural wealth in its interactions with China. Yoon also focused on the African diaspora and the movement of both African and Chinese communities, exploring how migration shapes the narratives of cross-continental relationships.

Gender and race were also central themes in Yoon’s presentation. He examined how African authors navigate gender dynamics within the context of African-Chinese interactions, portraying the challenges and opportunities that arise from these exchanges. Yoon’s analysis of racial identities and perceptions emphasized how African literature reflects the evolving nature of race relations in a rapidly globalizing world.

The event offered attendees a rich understanding of how African literature captures the complexities of globalization and China’s influence. Dr. Yoon’s engaging presentation prompted thoughtful discussions on the intersections of culture, politics, and economics. His research not only shines a light on the African literary canon but also contributes to a broader understanding of global power dynamics in the twenty-first century.

For those interested in exploring Yoon’s work further, his podcast, which reviews his book, is available online. Listeners can find the episode through the provided link or wherever they access their podcasts.

​​https://www.historyofliterature.com/588-china-in-african-literature-with-duncan-yoon-my-last-book-with-katherine-howe/

Carson Schuler is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism, to contact him please email cts5357@psu.edu.