Final answer:
African writers argue for the use of African languages in literature to better represent authentic African experiences, counteract the single story narrative, and critique the colonial influence. They aim to safeguard cultural integrity and challenge Western perceptions through true self-expression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The expressed detriment of African writers not using African languages in literature, as highlighted by the perspectives of African writers like Armah and Achebe, lies in the perpetuation of colonialism's influence and the consistent othering of African identities and experiences. These writers advocate for the importance of utilizing African languages as a means of authentic representation and a rejection of the colonial framework that often portrays Africans in a reductive or exotic manner. The importance of language as a tool for genuine self-expression and the safeguarding of cultural integrity is a recurring theme in their discourse.
Chinua Achebe, in particular, emphasized the adverse impact of such representation in literature, as did Cullen who used traditional literary forms to critique the position of African-American poets, underlining the challenges faced by Black writers in entering the literary canon. These critiques are essential to understanding the broader context of African and African-American literary expression and the significance of language and representation within it.
Moreover, the narratives and dialogues brought forward by African writers and those in the diaspora, serve as a vital counter to the single story that has often dominated Western perceptions of Africa. By choosing to create and publish in indigenous languages, and even in accessible and affordable English publications, African writers challenge the existing narratives and open up a world where diverse and authentic African voices are both recognized and celebrated.