Senegalese literature

The Literature of Senegal is among the most important in West Africa. Most works are written in French, but there are also works in Arabic and Wolof.

Senegalese literature has long been known worldwide through the writing of poet and statesman Léopold Sédar Senghor, a great defender of the French language and of Negritude.

Other now-classic authors include novelists Cheikh Hamidou Kane, Birago Diop, Boubacar Boris Diop, and Ousmane Sembène. The latter is known for bringing some of his own novels to the screen. Major essayists include Cheikh Anta Diop and anthropologist Tidiane N'Diaye.

Women writers have been particularly active. In 1980, Mariama Bâ described polygamous society with great sensitivity in Une si longue lettre. Aminata Sow Fall, in La Grève des Bàttu (1986), showed that the lower classes were not without resources. More recently, Fatou Diome has found success with Le Ventre de l'Atlantique (2004), a novel depicting, often with humor, the dreams of escape of Senegalese youth.

See also

• Francophone literature
• Wolof literature

References

Senegal articles
History	Regional history Mali Empire Precolonial kingdoms Arab slave trade French conquest French West Africa African slave trade British invasion Mali Federation Senegambia Border War Bissau-Guinean Civil War involvement
Geography	Biosphere Reserves Casamance Cities Islands National parks Rivers Wildlife World Heritage Sites
Politics	Administrative divisions Casamance conflict Constitution Court of Cassation (judiciary) Elections Foreign relations Human rights Law enforcement Military Parliament Political parties President Prime Minister
Economy	Agriculture Energy Franc (currency) Housing Telecommunications Tourism Transport Unions
Society	Demographics Education Ethnic groups Health Languages Religion Water supply and sanitation Culture Anthem Cinema Coat of arms Cuisine Flag Literature Media Music Public holidays Sports
Outline Index Book Category Portal