Why Africa And Asia Are The Future Of Literature
With English swiftly becoming the lingua franca—the standard language of international communication—the opportunity for communities from emerging economies to have their cultural messages expounded exists like never before. No longer bound by the lingual boundaries which have impeded friendship and cooperation between different cultures for millennia, the literary world’s potential has never been higher than it is right now. Translation has existed for a while, but can often end up polluting the message and/or style of the original writer, robbing texts of their authenticity and core value.
The European Society of Literature has been keeping a keen eye on the literary landscape for a little while now, and we have been heartened to observe the growing potential of several countries in the Global South as literary hotspots. India, Pakistan, Sudan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, and many other countries are producing a wealth of talented and aspiring writers who are eager to tell their stories to the world. In recent years, we have seen an increasing number of books and literary works emerging from these countries that offer a fresh perspective and provide a new voice to the world of literature. These writers are creating works that are deeply rooted in their own cultural heritage, yet they are also experimenting with new forms and styles, offering a unique and innovative contribution to the world of writing and literature.
At a time when the world of literature seems to be in decline, with a growing emphasis on commercialization and commodification, the voices of these writers are a breath of fresh air. They bring a new energy and excitement to the literary scene, offering a glimpse into the lives and cultures of people who have been historically underrepresented in the literary world. By providing a platform for these writers, we can help to ensure that their voices are heard and their stories are shared with a wider audience. This not only benefits the writers themselves, but it also enriches the world of literature as a whole. A diverse and inclusive literary landscape is essential if we are to rescue the world of literature from the decline it has experienced and continue to promote a love of reading and writing for generations to come.
The European Society of Literature is proud to be at the forefront of this movement, providing support and resources to writers in these countries and encouraging the wider literary community to embrace the work of these talented and aspiring writers. By doing so, we hope to help create a world in which literature is truly a reflection of the rich and diverse experiences of people from all walks of life.
In order to support the growth of this trend, The European Society of Literature will be launching a new writing competition, geared specifically toward writers from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other parts of the world that have traditionally existed in the literary periphery.
The 2023 Ink Across Borders Prize will be open to submissions starting on 9 February, 2023. The competition will run until May 14, 2023. More information can be found here. The prize is 200 Euros, with an entry fee of 2 Euros, as well as publication in the second edition of our Europe-based literary magazine, The European Literary Review. There’s never been a better time to get your foot in the literary game, so consider submitting a piece when submissions open! More information concerning the competition can be found in the ‘Contests’ tab of the website, or at the link provided.
Picture: An image created by artificial intelligence fusing together the colours that represent many of the flags of the Global South.
