Postcolonial (dis)affections

More about the book

In recent years, the postcolonial world has been explored through various methodologies, revealing mechanisms of subjection and resistance in imperialist and global contexts, as well as the translation of cultural norms. However, there is also an 'inside' story to intercultural contact, focusing on psychological and affective dimensions found in letters, autobiographies, novels, and plays. This narrative has often been framed within binary oppositions, leading to stereotypes such as the noble savage or the cannibal. The essays in this collection aim to transcend these traditional images, anticipating more complex forms of intercultural exchange that emerge when affections and their disaffections are translated. The focus is on an extended version of the Black Atlantic, building on themes from a previous volume. Contributions address issues of silencing, alienation, and stereotyping, while also offering optimistic views on emotional exchanges and self-assertion strategies. This volume was inspired by several conferences in postcolonial studies held at the University of Stuttgart and supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.