Central American Literatures as World Literature

This collection highlights the importance of Central American literature in the broader context of Latin American and world literature,challenging the notion of its marginalization and highlighting its diverse and complex contributions.
This collection emphasizes the significance of Central American literature in the context of Latin American and world literature, challenging the notion of its marginalization and highlighting its diverse and complex contributions. It discusses poems, testimonios, novels, and short stories in relation to center-periphery, cosmopolitan, and Internationalist paradigms, focusing on the heterogenous literatures of Central America and its diasporas.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Challenging the notion that Central American literature occupies a marginal position within Latin American literary and global literary production, this collection takes a bold stance in positioning and discussing Central American literature within the recent resurgence of debates on world literature. This groundbreaking volume harnesses the power of new scholarship on global, transnational, postcolonial, translational, and sociological perspectives to delve into the rich and diverse literatures of Central America and its diasporas. Contributors engage in insightful discussions, exploring poems, testimonios, novels, and short stories in relation to center-periphery, cosmopolitan, and Internationalist paradigms. Central American Literatures as World Literature delves into the intricate ways in which Central American literature transcends or subverts the boundaries of nation-states, particularly through the voices of indigenous, Black, and migrant communities.

The collection opens with an introductory chapter that provides a comprehensive overview of the historical, political, and cultural contexts that have shaped Central American literature. It highlights the region's unique blend of indigenous, European, and African influences, as well as the impact of colonization, migration, and globalization on its literary landscape.

In the subsequent chapters, contributors explore a wide range of literary works from Central America, including the poetry of Gabriel Garca Márquez, the testimonios of Rigoberta Menchú, the novels of Isabel Allende, and the short stories of Julio Cortázar. They analyze these texts in light of the aforementioned paradigms, shedding light on the ways in which they challenge, complicate, and expand our understanding of world literature.

One of the key themes that emerge from the collection is the role of indigeneity in shaping Central American literature. Contributors argue that indigenous voices have been marginalized and silenced in mainstream literary discourse, but they also demonstrate how these voices have been used to subvert dominant narratives and reclaim cultural identity. Through their analysis, they highlight the importance of recognizing and valuing the diverse perspectives and experiences of indigenous communities.

Another important theme is the impact of migration on Central American literature. Contributors explore how migration has shaped the experiences of individuals and communities, as well as how it has contributed to the development of new literary forms and genres. They analyze how migration has influenced the themes, characters, and structures of Central American literature, and how it has facilitated the exchange of ideas and cultural expressions across borders.

The collection also explores the cosmopolitanism of Central American literature. Contributors argue that Central American writers have been influenced by a wide range of global cultural movements, including the Harlem Renaissance, the Beat Generation, and the Latin American Boom. They analyze how Central American literature has incorporated elements of these movements, as well as how it has contributed to the development of a global literary consciousness.

In addition to these themes, the collection also examines the role of translation in shaping Central American literature. Contributors discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with translating Central American literature into other languages, as well as how translation has facilitated the dissemination of Central American literature to a broader audience. They highlight the importance of preserving the cultural and linguistic nuances of Central American literature in translation, while also ensuring that it reaches a wider readership.

Central American Literatures as World Literature is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of literary studies. It offers a fresh and nuanced perspective on Central American literature, challenging the notion of its marginalization and highlighting its rich and diverse contributions to world literature. Through its comprehensive analysis and engaging discussions, the collection provides a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the complex and fascinating world of Central American literature.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501391873