A Companion to African Rhetoric

A Companion to African Rhetoric provides diverse perspectives on African rhetoric from Anglophone sub-Saharan Africa and the Diaspora, exploring its conceptualization, political discourse, literature, and religion.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

A comprehensive and insightful exploration of African rhetoric is offered in A Companion to African Rhetoric, a collaborative effort edited by Segun Ige, Gilbert Motsaathebe, and Omedi Ochieng. This esteemed volume presents a diverse range of perspectives on African rhetoric, primarily sourced from the Anglophone sub-Saharan African region and the global African Diaspora. Renowned African, Afro-Caribbean, and African American rhetoricians contribute their expertise, offering conceptualizations of African rhetoric, in-depth examinations of African political rhetoric, analytical assessments of African rhetoric in literature, and thoughtful discussions about the interplay between rhetoric and religion in Africa. Through their compelling arguments, these contributors advocate for a holistic understanding of rhetoric across the African continent.

The book's introduction sets the stage for the rich tapestry of perspectives that follows. It provides a comprehensive overview of African rhetoric, tracing its historical roots and exploring its diverse manifestations across different cultural and social contexts. The editors acknowledge the historical marginalization of African rhetoric in academic discourse and emphasize the need for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach.

Chapter 1, authored by Segun Ige, delves into the theoretical foundations of African rhetoric. Ige highlights the significance of African oral traditions, which have shaped the continent's rhetorical practices for centuries. He emphasizes the role of storytelling, proverbs, and other oral modes of communication in transmitting cultural values and shaping public opinion. Ige also explores the influence of colonialism and globalization on African rhetoric, arguing that these processes have contributed to the marginalization of African languages and the erosion of traditional rhetorical forms.

Chapter 2, written by Gilbert Motsaathebe, focuses on African political rhetoric. Motsaathebe examines the ways in which politicians and political leaders use rhetoric to articulate their ideologies, mobilize support, and navigate the complex political landscape of Africa. He explores the use of persuasive techniques, metaphorical language, and storytelling to convey messages and shape public perception. Motsaathebe also discusses the challenges faced by African politicians in using rhetoric to address social and economic issues, such as poverty, inequality, and corruption.

Chapter 3, authored by Omedi Ochieng, explores African rhetoric in literature. Ochieng examines the ways in which African writers use rhetoric to express their cultural identities, convey social messages, and engage with historical and political issues. He highlights the use of metaphor, irony, and symbolism in African literature to convey complex ideas and emotions. Ochieng also discusses the role of African literature in shaping public opinion and promoting social change.

Chapter 4, co-authored by Segun Ige and Gilbert Motsaathebe, examines the connection between rhetoric and religion in Africa. Ige and Motsaathebe explore the ways in which religious beliefs and practices shape African rhetoric, both in terms of content and form. They discuss the role of religious leaders in using rhetoric to convey moral values, inspire devotion, and mobilize communities for social and political purposes. They also examine the challenges faced by religious minorities in using rhetoric to express their beliefs and advocate for their rights.

Chapter 5, authored by Omedi Ochieng, explores the role of African women in rhetoric. Ochieng examines the ways in which African women use rhetoric to express their perspectives, challenge gender stereotypes, and advocate for gender equality. She highlights the use of storytelling, poetry, and other oral modes of communication by African women to convey their experiences and promote social change. Ochieng also discusses the challenges faced by African women in accessing education and political participation, and the ways in which rhetoric can empower them to overcome these barriers.

Chapter 6, written by Segun Ige and Gilbert Motsaathebe, examines the impact of technology on African rhetoric. Ige and Motsaathebe explore the ways in which new media platforms, such as social media and mobile phones, have transformed the way in which African people communicate and express their ideas. They discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by these technologies for African rhetoric, including the potential for spreading misinformation, promoting civic engagement, and facilitating cultural exchange.

Chapter 7, authored by Omedi Ochieng, explores the future of African rhetoric. Ochieng examines the trends and challenges facing African rhetoric in the 21st century, including the impact of globalization, climate change, and political instability. He suggests that African rhetoricians need to adapt to these changing circumstances by developing new strategies for communicating with diverse audiences and promoting social change.

In conclusion, A Companion to African Rhetoric is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of African rhetoric. Through the contributions of renowned African, Afro-Caribbean, and African American rhetoricians, the book provides a rich tapestry of perspectives on African rhetoric, from its historical roots to its contemporary manifestations. The editors' advocacy for a holistic understanding of rhetoric across the African continent is a timely and important call to action. This book will be of great interest to scholars, students, and anyone interested in the study of rhetoric, African studies, or cultural studies.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793647658