Xhosa literary history: towards transformation in selected Xhosa novels

Abstract

This article traces the development of Xhosa written literature against a historical backdrop By building on the work of Albert Gerard, it is asserted that there are five developmental eras in Xhosa literature, beginning in 1810 and ending in 1990 with what is called the ‘Transformation era’ Furthermore, selected Xhosa novels are analysed in order to reflect and support these developmental eras Xhosa literary history is seen as integrally linked to the socio-political and spatial conflicts, which have existed in South African society