Some Processes and Functions of Literary Knowledge Production in South Africa Rory Ryan

Abstract

Literary Knowledge is presented as institutionally and historically constrained. Canonicity is discussed in terms of metaphors derived from religion and economics, and in relation to the politics of exclusion. Cultural studies is explored as a replacement for the decentered discipline of "English Studies", although the notion of cultural studies is itself problematical. Some practical issues concerning tertiary English teaching in SA are raised, and the paper concludes by way of a discussion of authority.

Opsomming
Literere Kennis word aangebied as institusioneel en histories begrens. Kanonisiteit word bespreek in terme van metafore wat spruit uit godsdiens en ekonomie, en in verhouding tot die politiek van uitsluiting. Kulturele studies word ondersoek as 'n vervanging van die gedesentreerde dissipline van "English Studies", alhoewel die idee van kulturele studies op sigself problematies is. Sekere praktiese aspekte rondom die tersiêre onderrig van Engels in Suid-Afrika word aangeraak, en die artikel sluit af met 'n bespreking van outoriteit.