Reception zones of translated Nigerian literature in France

Abstract

French translations of Nigerian literature have evolved since its introduction in France in 1953. Previous research documented periodic gaps and accounted for an ongoing translation of Nigerian literary texts in France. Since Nigerian literature has emerged as one of France’s most translated Anglophone African works, this study pursues this field by investigating how the French target culture receives and legitimizes this new literature. Consequently, it discusses several zones for the reception of Nigerian literature translated in France. Through a case study of the translation of a Nigerian writer, a general analysis of a mainstream French magazine and review platforms, and information garnered from interviews and fieldwork in France, this study shows that the prestige of a publisher, an author’s literary status, and thematic and political leanings contribute to successful reception and visibility in the target literary system. Critical and popular reception analyses from this study indicate progress in the domain of translated Nigerian literature, such as that translated Nigerian literature is featured in a mainstream French magazine. However, they show a lack of more comprehensive and systematic representation crucial for literary legitimization and visibility of translated Nigerian literature.