Depicting a translational and transcultural city

Abstract

Lagos, one of Nigeria’s most diverse and vibrant cities, has become a central character in the work of many Nigerian writers. As a ‘world city’ and one of Africa’s megacities, it is a place where, as a result of the colonial era, different ethnic, linguistic and religious groups have been compelled to live together in the same ‘translational space’. Consequently, transcultural and translingual practices take place on a daily basis on its lively, bustling streets. Focusing on the works of two Nigerian authors of the newer generation of African writers, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Sefi Atta, this chapter underlines the way in which transcultural and translingual practices, both prominent features in Lagos, are represented in their narrative as one of that city’s main characteristics. The chapter will also highlight the cultural and linguistic complexity to which they make reference.