The role of autobiographies and biographies in the promotion of Kiswahili prose

Abstract

Despite the fact that Kiswahili prose has grown and made great strides as well as demonstrating high artistic levels through stylistic experimentations as well notable developments in content and presentation; some of its sub-genres especially the autobiographies and biographies seem to be overlooked by writers and literary critics in Kiswahili and thus they continue lagging behind as mediums of artistic expression. This article (re)evaluates and explains the role of these writings in the promotion of Kiswahili language and literature with an aim of rekindling enthusiasm in its composition and promotion as a feature of cultural development. The paper takes a theoretical perspective in that it evaluates a Kiswahili literary sub-genre from a historical perspective. The evaluation used critical analytical methods to examine the autobiographies and biographies in Kiswahili as well as to question and to evaluate the prevailing situation. Finally, the paper recommends that strategies for composing and teaching Kiswahili autobiographies and biographies be put in place in order to broaden their scope.