Présence Francophone: Revue internationale de langue et de littérature
Abstract
The rather common use of a preface in African literature raises the question of the poetic value of such a practice. A preface written for the author by an older or recognized writer usually seeks to legitimate or consecrate that work. The author who writes his own preface, however, has other goals in mind and his preface is marked by a certain number of properties which, on a practical level, lend themselves to ambiguous interpretation. The present study is based on an analysis of some 100 introductory texts of all types. It concludes that, in writing his own preface, an author seeks both to present his work and account for its writing. Thus the preface generally focusses on the context of the writing and the author's artistic conception and mission.
Recommended Citation
Bokiba, Andre-Patient
(2000)
"Discours préfaciel et poétique africaine,"
Présence Francophone: Revue internationale de langue et de littérature: Vol. 54:
No.
1, Article 4.
Available at:
https://crossworks.holycross.edu/pf/vol54/iss1/4
Included in
Film and Media Studies Commons, French and Francophone Literature Commons, French Linguistics Commons, Other French and Francophone Language and Literature Commons