Final answer:
The development of written African literatures in European languages is tied to colonial history, with linguistic influences resulting in the creation of creoles due to the interaction between Africans and colonizers. Colonial rule altered political and economic structures, and the destruction of written records by Europeans deeply affected the historical narrative. Understanding this context provides insight into the emergence of post-colonial African literature in European languages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The development of written literatures by Africans in English, French, and Portuguese languages is indeed often viewed as a by-product of colonial domination. During the colonial era, African societies were greatly impacted by European influence in various aspects including language and literature. The spread of colonial languages facilitated the creation of new forms of communication such as creole languages, with diverse African communities developing pidgins or creoles to communicate both among themselves and with European traders and colonizers. Some examples include Angolar Creole Portuguese in Angola, Papiamentu Creole Spanish in the Spanish colonies, Palenquero in Colombia, and Gullah in the English colonies of North America.
Colonial rule significantly altered not just language, but also the political and economic landscapes of African societies, preventing the rise of a wealthy capitalist class and sidelining Africans from the import-export trade. European colonizers often destroyed the written records and historical documents of the people they colonized, further influencing history writing and creating a gap in understanding the rich diversity and heritage of these cultures.
The incorporation of European languages into African literatures and the emergence of creoles highlight the complex interplay between colonial influence and African cultural resilience. Post-colonial writers and scholars, like Chinua Achebe, emphasize the value of revisiting indigenous histories and perspectives to provide a more nuanced understanding of the past.