JOURNAL ARTICLE

Typologies of Humor in African Literatures, Adwoa A. Opoku-Agyemang.

  • Published In: African Affairs, 2025, v. 124, n. 495. P. 223 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Ebeheakey, Alice Korkor 3 of 3

Abstract

The book examines the underexplored role of humor in African literature, arguing that it is often dismissed as a non-serious subject despite its significance in addressing serious themes. The author identifies four archetypes—trickster, mimic, interpreter, and deviant norm—that illustrate how humor functions within narratives, emphasizing the relationship between authors, characters, and readers. The text also discusses the challenges African writers face regarding language, particularly the tension between local languages and colonial languages like English and French, and highlights the importance of indigenous knowledge. Overall, the book aims to enrich the discourse on humor in literature, making it a valuable resource for writers, educators, and scholars interested in the cultural implications of humor. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:African Affairs. 2025/04, Vol. 124, Issue 495, p223
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Literature and Writing
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0001-9909
  • DOI:10.1093/afraf/adaf018
  • Accession Number:188620664
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of African Affairs is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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