Unity and Plurality in Songs of Almajiri: An Anthology of Poems in Almajirci

The issue of Al-Majirci in northern Nigeria has garnered considerable attention from scholars, writers, and critics. However, existing research lacks a thorough exploration of its literary underpinnings. This paper uses postcolonial theory as its lens and polyphony as its methodology to investigate...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Research in African literatures Vol. 55; no. 2; pp. 109 - 129
Main Author: Mohammed, Hajara Bk
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Bloomington Indiana University Press 22.06.2025
Subjects:
Anthologies
Authorial voice
Bakhtin, Mikhail
Beliefs, opinions and attitudes
Consciousness
Convergence
Cultural studies
Culture
Dostoevsky, Fyodor Mikhailovich (1821-1881)
Emotions
Islamic religious education
Narratives
Philosophers
Poetry
Polyphony
Postcolonialism
Social aspects
Songs
Stigma
Nigeria
ISSN:0034-5210, 1527-2044, 1527-2044
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The issue of Al-Majirci in northern Nigeria has garnered considerable attention from scholars, writers, and critics. However, existing research lacks a thorough exploration of its literary underpinnings. This paper uses postcolonial theory as its lens and polyphony as its methodology to investigate the extent to which cultural studies is an appropriate and effective channel for elucidating human experiences such as that of the Al-Majiri child scholar in Songs of AlMajiri. This approach allows readers to engage with a harmonious convergence of diverse sensory experiences—tastes, smells, sights, sounds, and emotions—integral to the Al-Majiri’s life through the multitude of voices and perspectives presented. The paper underscores the dual role of literature, not only as a reflective mirror of societal concerns but also as a powerful tool capable of questioning and reshaping them.
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ISSN:0034-5210
1527-2044
1527-2044
DOI:10.2979/ral.00062