Influence Discernible in Selected South African Literature

Abstract

Influence discernible in selected South African literature refers to the impact of the English language and culture on literary works produced by Southern African writers. There is also an influence of Setswana on English literature. The paper uses influence theory, a study of formal models of one person or group of people. The study will look at Setswana novels, stories and poetry. The influences that exist in Setswana literature can be categorised into two, namely, Western and Batswana. Western refers to influences or factors that originate outside the Batswana experience; and Batswana refers to effects that are typical of Batswana traditional cultures or practices. Influence discernible is an effort to achieve or complete something difficult, and the aim is to compare literature. Literature crosses boundaries across time periods and looks at events or phenomena that span a range of historical epochs. This could involve comparing different historical periods, analysing the evolution of concepts or technologies over time, or identifying lasting trends that continue to shape societies across different eras. Influence study is an attempt to trace the influence of a writer or a set of writers on another theme, idea, attitude or technique. The study of influence is linked to the problem of connections between various national literatures and has become a favourite in comparative literary studies.

Keywords: Setswana-Sotho; English; poetry; story; novel

DOI: 10.7176/JLLL/108-02

Publication date:August 31^st 2025