Fazer literário na Guiné-Bissau: apontamentos

Abstract

The article analyzes the development of written literature in Guinea-Bissau, highlighting the historical and linguistic challenges faced by the country. The Portuguese colonization, which began in 1446, left a legacy of resistance on the part of the local population, which impacted the educational and cultural progress of the region. Although Portuguese is the official language, only a small part of the population communicates in it daily, with the use of Guinean Creole and other local languages ​​prevailing. Written literature in Guinea-Bissau had a late start, mainly due to the lack of standardization of Creole and the lack of investment in bookstores, publishers and education. Despite a rich tradition of orature, the transition to writing was hampered by these factors, resulting in limited literary production, especially in local languages. The text also addresses the different phases of Guinean poetry, which was initially deeply rooted in the liberation struggles and the fight against colonialism. Poets such as José Carlos Schwarz used poetry as a tool of cultural and political resistance during the 1970s. However, in recent decades, Guinea-Bissauan literature has gradually shifted towards a more introspective and lyrical style, addressing everyday issues such as poverty and social challenges of the nation.