Hybridity and Postcolonial Studies from the point of view of Italian High School Students

Abstract

Postcolonial studies appear not to be a priority in Italian Public Schools teaching,this project aims to reflect on Postcolonial Studies and Hybridity by teaching African Contemporary Literature to Italian High School students. During an introductory lesson concentrated on the reading of “How to too write about Africa” by Binyavanga Wainaina, the students were able to read two short stories. The first was “Africa Emergent” by Nadine Gordimer, the second was “The Thing Around Your Neck” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. As well as being manageable in term of language and cultural content, the texts depict young expatriates as characters, a category closed to the nineteen year old Italian students, who are experiencing an animated period in today migration. In addition to introducing the students to Postcolonial African Literature, the goal was to induce them to reflect on Hybridity. Starting from the 90s perspective, the lesson endeavoured to inform the students on the theory of Global Hybridity by Jan Nederveen Pieterse. In order to improve the understanding of the project contents, the students discussed the sketch by Trevor Noah performed at the Apollo theatre, which recollects some of the comedian's experiences with Apartheid and partly, his perception of Hybridity. The Project ended with the viewing of “The Last King of Scotland” by Kevin MacDonald, a controversial example of Postcolonial Africa.