Knowledge-Making from a Postgraduate Writers' Circle: A Southern Reflectory

This book challenges the dominant narrative of academic writing by exploring the messy and deleted parts of the writing process, highlighting the gap between the idealized image of research writing and the reality of the writing process. It employs writing as a subject and method of inquiry in an ethnographic study of a postgraduate writers circle in an elite South African university, engaging with issues of epistemic privilege and decolonizing knowledge production.

Format: Hardback
Length: 166 pages
Publication date: 11 June 2024
Publisher: Multilingual Matters

This book aims to challenge the prevailing narrative surrounding academic writing and the written products that are currently valued in universities by juxtaposing the messy and often incomplete nature of the writing process with the dominant imaginary of what research writing should entail. The author employs writing as both a subject of study and a methodology for inquiry in an ethnographic exploration of her long-term involvement with a postgraduate writing circle at an esteemed South African university. By engaging with the growing global interest in the geopolitics of research writing and its relationship to patterns of epistemic privilege, the book draws on current work on decolonizing knowledge production. It seeks to create a space for expanding and deepening our understanding of the relationship between writing and knowledge-making.

The author begins by situating her research within the broader context of the increasing commodification of higher education and the pressures faced by postgraduate students to produce high-quality research. She argues that the dominant narrative of academic writing as a linear and pristine process is in contrast to the reality of the writing process, which is often messy, fragmented, and subject to revision and deletion. The author uses ethnographic methods to immerse herself in the daily lives of the postgraduate writers, observing their writing practices, interactions, and struggles.

Through her analysis, the author reveals the complex and multifaceted nature of academic writing, which is not merely a means of conveying information but also a means of constructing knowledge and identity. She highlights the ways in which writing is shaped by the social, cultural, and political contexts in which it is produced, as well as the individual experiences and perspectives of the writers. The author also explores the relationship between academic writing and power, arguing that the dominant imaginary of research writing is often tied to patterns of epistemic privilege and that marginalized voices and perspectives are often excluded from the mainstream academic discourse.

To address these issues, the book proposes a decolonizing approach to academic writing, which emphasizes the importance of diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration in the writing process. The author suggests that academic writing should be seen as a site of resistance and transformation, where writers can challenge dominant narratives and advocate for more equitable and inclusive practices. The book also provides practical strategies for improving academic writing, such as developing effective writing habits, building a supportive writing community, and engaging with diverse audiences and perspectives.

In conclusion, this book offers a fresh and insightful perspective on academic writing, challenging the dominant imaginary and advocating for a more inclusive and diverse approach to knowledge-making. By engaging with the geopolitics of research writing and its relationship to patterns of epistemic privilege, the book provides valuable insights for postgraduate students, researchers, and educators alike.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800419605