Famous Kenyan writer Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o has just released a new book called Decolonizing Language, published by The New Press in the U.S.
The book is a mix of essays and poems that he wrote between 2000 and 2019. In it, Ngũgĩ talks about topics like language, education, and African heroes such as Nelson Mandela, Chinua Achebe, and Nadine Gordimer. He also shares personal thoughts on culture and how language has been affected by colonialism.
Now 87 years old, Ngũgĩ told the Associated Press that he believes writers should speak up for those who can’t. “Writers should give a voice to the people who are silenced, especially by unfair governments,” he said.
Ngũgĩ also spoke about how much he misses Kenya. Although he has lived outside the country for many years, he said his heart is still at home. “Everything I write is inspired by Kenya. I owe everything to my country,” he said.
One of his biggest concerns is how many people in Kenya and other African countries are forgetting their mother tongues. He said it’s sad that some parents are proud when their kids can’t speak their traditional language and only speak English. “That’s why I call it mental colonisation,” he explained.
In Decolonizing Language, Ngũgĩ argues that using African languages is one way to fight back against the lasting effects of colonialism. He believes that language is more than just words—it’s part of who we are.
This new book is a powerful reminder of why it’s important for Africans to hold on to their languages, cultures, and identity.
