Senegalese literature
Senegalese literature is written or literary work (novels, poetry, plays and films) which has been produced by writers born in the West African state. Senegalese literary works are mostly written in French, the language of the colonial administration. However, there are many instances of works being written in Arabic and the native languages of Wolof, Pulaar, Mandinka, Diola, Soninke and Serer. Oral traditions, in the form of Griot storytellers, constitute a historical element of the Senegalese canon and have persisted as cultural custodians throughout the nation’s history. A form of proto-Senegalese literature arose during the mid 19th century with the works of David Abbé Boilat, who produced written ethnographic literature which supported French Colonial rule. This genre of Senegalese literature continued to expand during the 1920s with the works of Bakary Diallo and Ahmadou Mapaté Diagne. Earlier literary examples exist in the form of Qur’anic texts which led to the growth of a form African linguistic expressionism using the Arabic alphabet, known as Ajami. Poets of this genre include Ahmad Ayan Sih and Dhu al-nun.Post-colonial Senegalese work often includes emphasis on “national literature”, a contemporary form of writing which stressed the engagement between language, national identity and literature. Senegalese novelists of this period include Cheikh Hamidou Kane, Boubacar Boris Diop and Ousmane Sembene. Poets include former Senegalese president and philosopher Léopold Sédar Senghor, Birago Diop, Cheikh Aliou Ndao and Alioune Badara Bèye. Female writers also contributed greatly to the body of Senegalese works. Mariama Bâ, Fatou Diome, Ndeye Fatou Kane, Aminata Sow Fall and Fatou Sow have all written notable pieces regarding issues of polygamy, feminism and the realities of Senegalese youth. Pre-colonial literary practice Literacy was first established in the West African region now known as Senegal following the introduction of Islam during the 11th century. As a result, a hybridized African form of writing which combined the Arabic script with the phonology of local languages (such as Wolof and Fulfulde) emerged. This came to be known as Ajami (“barbarism” in Arabic due to its interpretation being incomprehensible to Arabic speakers). The literature which emerged as a result of this new form of expression was initially limited to the study and advancement of Islamic theology such as prayers and religious edicts. However, secular functions soon followed during the rapid growth of islam during the 11th-15th century, during which time Ajami was used for administrative purposes, eulogies, poetry and public announcements. The majority of known pieces of literature produced during the era preceding the period of French expansion into Senegal during the 1850s, are mostly poems. Two distinct poetic motifs were used during this period, being didactic and lyrical (the elegy and panegyric). Examples include Ahmad Ayan Sih, whose fluid metaphoric expressions are some of the most well-documented pieces of Arabic poetry to have been produced in Senegal. Another example includes Dhu al-nun, whose panegyric poetry made allusions to the Quran and issues of piety. Oral tradition Prior to the introduction of written language (Arabic and Ajami) in the greater