Literary analysis and exposition: The second language reader-writer

Abstract

I am very aware that there are some whose presence at this conference makes my paper a 'sermon' to the converted. For this I apologise. (I have, in fact, been warned by an already long-time practitioner of Africanisation, that, by presenting this paper, I will be re-inventing the wheel-my experience at 'English' conferences, however, tells me otherwisel) I do, however, feel that the time has come for open discussion on the necessary transformation of English Studies in the 'new' South Africa. There will have to be a transformation of English Studies, if it is not to become at best a useless quaint colonial relic, or at worst an instrument of disempowerment. Not only does the myth of a 'standard' language need to be demythologised, but so too the myths of a 'standard' critical practice, and a 'standard' point of view-in fact the whole myth surrounding the term 'standard'. All 'standards' are in fact rooted in the validation of our ideology-Western civilization. Whether we acknowledge it or not, we are in fact privileging and entrenching-and enforcingl-our particular historical, cultural and socio-political system at the expense of other systems. As second language students are likely to be the new student population of English departments in the very near future, it is perhaps opportune to comment on some of the still 'negative' attitudes prevailing towards them in some quarters and to report briefly on the creativity in course design and on the changing attitudes to English 'competency' of which I have become aware. Unfortunately, most innovators are working in isolation, not only from other English departments, but even within their own departments. It liould be to everyone's advantage, and more cost and time effective http://spilplus.journals.ac.za/