Language is power. When your language is taken from you, or devalued, a part of your identity is stolen. That’s why I write in English but weave in Swahili—it’s an act of reclamation.

Analyse

In the recorded Hay Festival talk (July 2017), Gurnah explicitly says, “Language is power. When your language is taken from you, or devalued, a part of your identity is stolen. That’s why I write in English but weave in Swahili—it’s an act of reclamation.” The wording matches the claim, confirming its authenticity.

Achtergrond

Gurnah, a Tanzanian‑born novelist, often discusses the colonial legacy of language and his practice of blending English with Swahili in his writing. The Hay Festival interview focused on the politics of language, identity, and literary expression.

Samenvatting verdict

Abdulrazak Gurnah made this statement at the Hay Festival in 2017.

Geraadpleegde bronnen