This article explores how characterization and symbolism in four short stories – Stanley Kenani’s “Love on Trial” and “In the Best Interests of the Child”, Monica Arac de Nyeko’s “Jambula Tree”, and Beatrice Lamwaka’s “Chief of the Home” – serve as narrative strategies that confront anti-LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex) sentiments in Malawi and Uganda. The central argument posits that the gender representations in these stories resist traditional social binaries, which dominate the cultural landscapes of these nations. Through the lens of Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity, the article analyzes how these texts portray gender as fluid and dynamic, rather than fixed. These narrative strategies challenge societal norms, laws, and religious frameworks that often perpetuate homophobic attitudes towards LGBTI individuals, particularly in relation to homosexuality and lesbianism. By reading the selected short stories through a queer theoretical perspective, this article highlights the role of fiction in questioning deeply ingrained prejudices against non-normative sexualities and advocating for a more inclusive understanding of gender and sexuality.
This article explores the textual history of The Flying Saucer by Wisdom Dede Kamkondo, first published in Malawi in 1989. Although out-of-print, rare copies of the novella are preserved in archives at Chancellor College in Malawi and Yale University Library. The paper examines how the materiality of the text, through its physical form and surrounding paratexts, influences its meaning and reception. By comparing two copies of the text, the study highlights how the condition of the physical book, its paratextual elements (such as the cover and prefaces), and textual traces in archives shape the novella’s interpretation. The article introduces the concept of “rhetorical accretion,” arguing that the layers of paratexts and material history accumulate meaning over time, transforming how the text is understood. It also sheds light on the silences within Kamkondo’s book and the omissions that have influenced its historical narrative. By focusing on the material aspects of The Flying Saucer, the study offers a new way of reading speculative fiction, examining how genre, paratext, and cultural context interact in the shaping of literary legacies. Ultimately, this research highlights the role of materiality and paratext in African literature and challenges traditional approaches to literary history, offering a deeper understanding of how texts evolve through time.
This interview, conducted on 19 December 2019 at the Little Theatre, Chancellor College, University of Malawi, features a discussion between Timwa Lipenga and Nick Tembo. Lipenga was invited to speak about her recently published book, Lomathinda: Rose Chibambo Speaks, as part of the English Department's monthly Staff and Students Research Seminar. The conversation provides insights into the creation of the book, which offers a detailed account of the life and contributions of Rose Chibambo, a pioneering Malawian political activist. Lipenga reflects on the challenges and triumphs of portraying Chibambo’s legacy, emphasizing her role in Malawi's struggle for independence and her influence as a woman leader. The interview explores themes of women's empowerment, historical representation, and the importance of documenting marginalized voices in the national narrative. Lipenga also discusses her research process, the significance of the book in contemporary Malawian literature, and the ways in which Lomathinda contributes to the ongoing conversation about gender and history in African literature. Through this dialogue, Lipenga highlights the broader cultural and political implications of giving voice to women in the historiography of Malawi.
This article explores the role of songs in imparting moral education during the circumcision rite known as Jando in Muwawa village, Senior Chief Ngokwe, in Machinga, Malawi. Initiation rites in many African communities, including Jando, serve as pivotal moments of transition, guiding initiates from one life stage to another. The focus of this study is to analyse the selected songs used during these rites, emphasizing their moral teachings and the cultural context in which they were composed. The songs reflect the agrarian way of life of the community, with many lyrics drawing on imagery from the natural world, particularly animals, to communicate lessons on behaviour, responsibility, and social roles. Through this imagery, the songs underscore the community’s deep connection to the environment, illustrating how nature shapes their understanding of human conduct. The analysis argues that although the songs are rooted in specific local contexts, the moral values they convey—such as respect, responsibility, and cooperation—hold universal relevance. The study employs a Functionalist approach to oral literature, highlighting the songs' utilitarian role in reinforcing societal values and norms. By exploring these initiation songs, the article contributes to a deeper understanding of how oral traditions function as educational tools and preserve moral teachings across generations.
This article explores the motivations behind Theme-Rheme choices in political news reports published in the Malawian English-language printed media. While researchers agree that these choices are functional rather than arbitrary, there is a lack of consensus on what drives the selection of Theme and Rheme. Some studies argue that political discourse is driven by ideological motivations, while others point to text-based organization as the primary influence on thematic choices. Additionally, variations in thematic structures across different varieties of English suggest that regional factors may also play a role. Using Systemic Functional Grammar, this study examines political news coverage during the rise to power of Malawi’s second president, Bakili Muluzi, using data from four local newspapers. The research aims to assess how the choice of Theme and Rheme reflects ideological stances and organizational strategies in the political context. The article contends that these choices are shaped by a combination of context-dependent factors, including ideological leanings, the structure of the political discourse, and the broader socio-cultural environment. It highlights the complex interplay between linguistic structures and contextual influences in shaping the way political news is communicated. Ultimately, the study reveals that Theme-Rheme choices in Malawian political reporting are not simply a matter of grammar or ideology, but are deeply embedded in the interaction between language, power, and context.