Between continuity and innovation : transitional nature of post-independence Somali poetry and drama, 1960s to the present

• Main Author: Afrax, Maxamed Daahir
• Published: SOAS, University of London 2013
• Subjects: 893
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.605693

This study explores the transitional nature of post-independence Somali poetry and drama. It examines this in the context of the historical, political and social changes that have taken place in Somalia in the period leading up to and following independence in 1960. This is viewed as a period of transition from a traditional way of life to a modern one and from pre-colonial and colonial systems to an unsuccessful nation-state building. The purpose of the study is to examine the salient features of post-independence Somali poetry and drama with a view to determine whether these features display evidence that these two forms are both in a state of transition. To achieve this goal extensive research, collecting data and analysing it, was undertaken. This study, which explores a subject that has never been studied before, draws on original sources of Somali poetry and drama. Different research methods were applied, including examination of source texts, interviews, archival research and conversations with people involved in the field. This led to the conclusion that post-independence Somali poetry and drama, both of which are the product and expression of a historical period of transition, appear to be in a transitional state. The term 'transitional' is used in the sense that the poetry and drama in question are in a passage between traditional and modern ways of cultural expression, between orality and writing and between conformity to tradition and responding to the pressures and influences of a changing, modern life. By exploring, for the first time, the significant changes in post-independence Somali poetry, which gave it the stated transitional character, this thesis makes an original contribution to the study of Somali literature. Another original contribution emerges from the uncovering of the nature of Somali drama as an art form in transition. Highlighting the links which the stated literary developments have with the unprecedented, political, social and economic changes and crisis that have taken place in post-independence Somalia, may help towards better understanding of Somali realities and the root causes of the current Somali predicament.