September 2024
OVERVIEW
The language debate in African literature revolves around the choice between indigenous lan-
guages and colonial languages in literary expression. Phaswane Mpe’s Welcome to Our Hillbrow is
OVERVIEW
The language debate in African literature revolves around the choice between indigenous lan-
guages and colonial languages in literary expression. Phaswane Mpe’s Welcome to Our Hillbrow is
a notable work that navigates this complex terrain, blending English with elements of South Afri-
can vernaculars to authentically portray the urban life of Johannesburg. Through his innovative
use of language, Mpe challenges traditional linguistic hierarchies and highlights the dynamic,
multilingual reality of post-apartheid South Africa. This analysis explores how Mpe’s linguistic
choices enrich the narrative, reflecting the cultural and social nuances of the characters and their
environment.