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The Influence of New Media Technologies on African Literature

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The Influence of New Media Technologies on African Literature The Influence of New Media Technologies on African Literature By Anietie Isong A Thesis Submitted in Partial Requirements of Awarding the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy at De Montfort University April 2018 Abstract This study investigates the role of new media technologies in the development of African literature. It examines the different ways that these new technologies such as the Internet and mobile phones have revolutionised the way Africans write and read literary works on the continent. African literature refers to literary works written mostly by Africans in any language. Over the last decade, new African writers have created a stir in the arenas of creative writing. Uses and gratification as well as diffusion of innovation theories were adopted as the theoretical framework for this study. A total of 30 African writers and 300 readers completed a survey questionnaire designed to elicit responses on how new media has influenced African literature. Some of the writers interviewed have distinguished themselves in their fields, their works have appeared alongside works of other international writers. The readers were chosen from a popular literary society. The results of the study indicate that the Internet has a big impact on reception of African literature, creating endless opportunities, easy accessibility, promotion of work and networking with peers and literary community. The findings also show that social media also increases networking opportunities and provides a platform where readers access, share and discuss African literature. Mobile phones also play a significant and functional role in the reception and promotion of African literature. Overall, these findings suggest that new media technologies have created opportunities for African literature to be appreciated globally, and have enabled readers to access, share and discuss new works. ii Acknowledgments I would like to thank my supervisor Dr Kutoma Wakunuma for her guidance in completing this research. I am also grateful to Dr Jane Dowson, Professors Sue Thomas and Kate Pullinger for their support during the early stages of this study. Special thanks to Prof. Laurence Brooks and the examining team for their suggested changes to the thesis. I would like to thank my family: Louise, Dad, Mum, Emem and Koko, for their understanding and kind words of encouragements. I also thank my friends at Leicester - Abraham, Basil, Kole, Walter, Tochukwu, Chinedu - for their support along the way. iii Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................. ii Acknowledgments ............................................................................................................ iii Table of Contents ............................................................................................................. iv List of Figures .................................................................................................................. ix Chapter 1 ....................................................................................................................... 10 1.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 10 1.2 An Overview of New Media ........................................................................... 12 1.2.1 The Internet, the World Wide Web and Social Media .............................. 18 1.3 Understanding African Literature ................................................................... 23 1.4 New Media and Literature .............................................................................. 28 1.5 Scope of Research ........................................................................................... 32 1.6 Research Aims and Objectives........................................................................ 37 1.7 Research Questions ......................................................................................... 37 1.8 Organisation of Thesis .................................................................................... 38 Chapter 2 ....................................................................................................................... 40 2.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 40 2.2 Historical Context of African Literature: Orality............................................ 41 2.2.1 Evolution of writing in Africa ................................................................... 43 2.2.2 Writing and Orality ................................................................................... 45 2.3 Writing and Technology ................................................................................. 46 2.3.1 Blogging .................................................................................................... 48 2.4 Reading ........................................................................................................... 51 2.4.1 The Traditional View ................................................................................ 51 2.4.2 The Cognitive View .................................................................................. 52 2.4.3 Meta-Cognitive View ................................................................................ 53 2.4.4 Reading and Technology........................................................................... 54 2.5 Passive and Active Audiences ........................................................................ 58 2.6 New Technologies in Developing Countries .................................................. 63 2.6.1 Mobile Phones ........................................................................................... 65 2.6.2 Digital Divide ............................................................................................ 71 2.7 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................... 77 iv 2.7.1 Uses and Gratification Theory .................................................................. 79 2.7.1.1 Criticisms and Limitations of U & G Theory .................................... 81 2.7.1.2 Rationale for Adopting U & G Theory in this Research ................... 82 2.7.2 Diffusion of Innovations Theory ............................................................... 85 2.7.2.1 Criticisms and Limitations of Diffusion of Innovation Theory ......... 87 2.7.2.2 Rationale for Adopting Diffusion of Innovation Theory in this Research 88 2.8 Chapter Summary............................................................................................ 91 Chapter 3 ....................................................................................................................... 92 3.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 92 3.2 Philosophical Assumptions ............................................................................. 92 3.2.1 Positivism .................................................................................................. 93 3.2.2 Interpretative Paradigm ............................................................................. 94 3.2.3 Critical Research Paradigm ....................................................................... 95 3.2.4 Chosen Research Paradigm for This Study ............................................... 96 3.3 Overview of Research Methods ...................................................................... 97 3.3.1 Qualitative Research Method .................................................................... 98 3.3.1.1 Focus Groups ..................................................................................... 99 3.3.1.2 Case Studies ..................................................................................... 100 3.3.1.3 Ethnography ..................................................................................... 101 3.3.1.4 In-depth Interviews .......................................................................... 102 3.3.2 Quantitative Research Methods .............................................................. 103 3.3.2.1 Surveys............................................................................................. 103 3.3.3 Comparison between Qualitative and Quantitative Methods.................. 105 3.3.4 Mixed Methods ....................................................................................... 105 3.4 Research Design ............................................................................................ 106 3.5 Research Instruments-The Questionnaire ..................................................... 108 3.5.1 Formulating the Questions for this Research .......................................... 110 3.5.1.1 Questions for Writers ....................................................................... 110 3.5.1.2 Questions for Readers ...................................................................... 112 3.6 Sampling Technique...................................................................................... 113 3.6.1 Research Sample: Rationale and Criteria for Selection .......................... 116 v 3.6.1.1 Sample for Writers ........................................................................... 116 3.6.1.2 Sample for Readers .......................................................................... 117 3.7 Ethical Considerations
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