Globalisation : WLDLIT

• Engels
• HBO
• Studiejaar 2

By Daan Leest & Esmée Wilderink

Learning objectives:

At the end of this lesson...

1. You can explain how globalisation and imperialism are connected to literature.
2. You can find the central themes in the short story.
3. You can read a text and take out information to use in the given questions.

What do you think the term ''globalisation'' means?

Globalisation is about...

- Decrease of focus on the individual person

- How trade and technology have made the world more connected.

- Developments in the economy and society.

- Connecting everything from money to ideas.

- Compare it to a spider web that has grown over the years:

Positive and negative effects of globalisation:

Positive:

- Access to new cultures

- Spread of technology and innovation

- Lower costs for products

Negative:

- The Western World + America are still dominant

- Unique cultures will get wiped out -> imperialism

What do you think the term ''Imperialism'' means?

Imperialism:

- A situation in which one country has a lot of power or influence over others, especially in political and economic matters.

- A country (usually western world) will take over another country and actively change the native culture and make it part of an empire. They take complete control. 

How do you think globalisation and imperialism are connected to literature?

Short story: The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adicichie 

1. Author

2. Central themes

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

• Nigerian-born award-winning author.
• Moved to America when she was 19.
• Known from ''Purple hibiscus'' and ''The danger of a single story''.

The Thing Around Your Neck

- Akunna wins the American visa lottery and moves from Nigeria to Maine -> American dream.

- Akunna has a difficult adjustment to rural American life -> 
Working in Connecticut as a waitress.

- Dating a white man 

- Flies back to Nigeria

What were the central themes of ''
The Thing Around Your Neck''?

Central themes:

- Immigration

- Colliding cultures

- Multicultural society

- African culture

Task: (5 minutes)

- Create 4 groups: 1. Immigration, 2. colliding cultures, 3. multicultural society, 4. African culture.

- Think of one example in the short story that represents your central theme. This can be a part of the text or an event that happened in the short story. 

How can you link globalisation and imperialism to ''The thing around your neck?''

Task: (5-10 minutes)

- Add a follow-up to the story. Make clear if Akunna decides to stay in Nigeria or wants to go back to the US. Give reasons for her decision.