African Belief System As Depicted By Yaa Gyasi In Afro - Britain Culture & Helen Oyeyemi In Afro - American Culture

Abstract

In the sphere of Afro-American and British literature it is possible to distinguish two remarkable authors—Yaa Gyasi and Helen Oyeyemi. Born in Ghana, Gyasi’s experiences and struggles of identity in Alabama molded her into a guiding light for black women writers. Oyeyemi, born in Nigeria and raised in England, explores identity issues and migration, expanding the literary field. Both writers are great examples of traditional and contemporary African peoples, who provide the readers with representations of African spirituality. Analyzing Gyasi and Oyeyemi’s works, this essay takes a voyage through the portrayal of African belief systems in Afro- British and Afro- American cultures. It is centered in themes like eviction, homesickness and the search for an identity, which is a paramount concern for the migrants. The core of this work is the topic that focuses on characters who are referred to with negative adjectives which means that one has to determine the cultural significance of certain scraps and describe interactions within narratives. Desiring to unravel what African belief systems encompass, this essay shall attempt to analyze how Gyasi and Oyeyemi have addressed issues to do with legacy, self, and dualism. The present research also stresses on literature as the tool for both understanding and influencing multicultural worldviews.