Abstract

Cultural diversity in ACROSS THE MONGOLO; A study of cultures in its diverse forms is a pioneering work as far as the literature history of Cameroon is concerned. From a comparative perspective, a lot of work has been done in relation to this research. While all the aspects of cultural diversity in both ACROSS THE MONGOLO, and Cameroon in general, are blossoming in all societies in English speaking Cameroon, very few scholars have critically examined their significance and consequences with relevance as fare as cultural diversity is concerned. Haven contextualized the text ACROSS THE MONGOLO, I have allude to a variety of source in an analytical manner. Consequently, the end product is diversified considering the variety of the different component of the society under study.

While in retrospect this book eloquently portrays the overall aim of carrying out this research which is to demonstrate the various cultural differences found in John Nkemgong Nkengason’s ACROSS THE MONGOLO. Academically, a mythology and theoretical approaches used in this work should be emulated by scholars and students of oral tradition as those in other disciplines such as sociologist, anthropologist as well as linguist and Historians.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of Studies

In our background to study, we shall look at cultural diversity before, during and after colonization in Africa, as shown below.

(a)        Cultural diversity before colonization in Africa

When Europeans arrived in Africa they found it upon themselves to bring us commerce and Civilization. However, Africans had their own forms of commerce, science, art and other measures of civilization long before the arrival of the colonizers. When Europeans arrived in Africa, like everyone who comes from elsewhere into new terrain they had something to say about the way we lived. To them coming frorn Icy climates which required them to wear clothes, our loinskins, (although we had cotton weavers) grass and thatch huts were a pitiful sight of primitiveness. They found it upon themselves to bring us their three Cs: commerce, civilization and Christianity. The first two we had in different forms to the capitalist nations where ‘the men with no knees’ hailed. The last was the most harmful because in the words of Pathisa Nyathi, ‘Christianity is a proselytizing religion’, it asks you to denounce who you are and assume a new identity. They baptized us in the name of foreign gods and saints. The way colonization was branded it posed to the weaker minds, as an elevation to the state mankind existed in then. (Wikipedia)

(b) During and after the colonial era

The global cultural impact is in serious debate amongst Animism, Christianity and Islam in Africa. Ambrose Moyo emphasized that combined efforts of early missionary and colonial powers to destroy African cultures and religion have led to a crisis of identity that, ironically, has promoted the continued practice of African traditional religions as a maj or aspect of African cultures. The cultural arena receiving the most attention at the beginning of the 21 st century is the suddenly perceived confrontation between the western and the Islamic world. Some have chosen to regard this confrontation as a new (or perhaps renewed) clash of civilizations, but others perceived the old not so neatly divided. Choosing to see pluralities of identities rather than, a homogeneous Islam and an equal homogeneous west. We have all of us many as citizens, family members, workers, men, and women, appreciating a complex and interesting. diversity is indeed a challenge

for the twenty-first-century societies.

1.2 Aim/Objectives

The overall aim of carrying out this research will be to demonstrate the vanous cultural differences found in JOHN NIZEMGASONG NKEMNGONG’S ACROSS TI-IE MONGOLO. That is to identify them, illustrate and bring out its significance.

More so, to equally demonstrate cultural diversities in Africa, show the similarities of these diverse cultures in most African societies, to prove that African cultures should not be ignored but rather be maintained or valued based on some facts.

Lastly, to bring out the cultural differences found in African society relating these diversities to our text of study ACROSS THE MONGOLO.

Summary of Across the Mongolo

Across the Mongolo tells the story of Ngwe Nkemassah, an intelligent young man from the

English speaking part of his fatherland, Kamangola, Ngwe’s dream spurred by his father Ndi Nkemassah, is to become another Babajoro, the ruler of the country. So after getting four papers at the Advance Level G.C.E, he crosses the river Mongolo, loaded with allegory to the lone university of Basaadi to pursue his dream, At Basaadi, Ngwe Meets with physical, emotional, intellectual and psychological frustration, which pushes him inevitably into madness and near tragedy.

The piece ends with a welcome announcement that Ngwe’s ordeal was preparing him for a messianic role out for him by the gods (that liberating his people from suffering in a faraway land)

1.3 Statement of Research Problem

Many studies on Across the Mongolo has focused on issues of power and journey and little has been done in regards to culture. A reading of Nkernngongs Across the Mongolo has shown that, cultural evolvements and diversity turn to create several conflict that affects nation building and

emancipation of subalterns. Since literature generally reflects a culture of a people. This research therefore is an attempt to demonstrate and analyze cultural diversity. This is done by documenting Across the Mongolo on paper, so that, future generation will have a literary means of sustenance and a full understanding of their roots and cultures. It is therefore hoped that this work serve the purpose for which it is intended, that is, cultural diversity in Nkemngong’ s Across the mongolo.

1.4 Research Questions

Looking at the world with its improved technology, and considering how cultural diversity poses to the African communities; one will be obliged to question the state of the Cameroon society. Based on this. The following research questions are pertinent:

1. What are the dimensions of culture in Across the Mongolo?
2. What are the negative effects of cultural diversity in Across the Mongolo?
3. How can cultural diversity enhance development as articulated in Across the Mongolo?

The answers to these questions lies in the significance of the work.

1.5 Definition of Key terms

Culture– This refers to the social behavior and norms found in human societies. It can also be seen as a central concept in anthropology, encompassing the range of phenomena that are transmitted through social learning in human societies.

Culture refer to the custom, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group (oxford dictionary)

Cultural Diversity-Cultural diversity is defined as people from different origins, religion, custom and tradition living together in the same geographical location. Besides, Cultural diversity can still be defined as the equality of diverse cultures as opposed to mono culture, global monoculture or a homogenization of cultures akin to cultural decay. And lastly, it can be seen as the varieties of human societies or cultures in a specific region or in the world as a whole. (Oxford dictionary)