Answer

Writing as a Mode for Producing New Knowledge

Introduction

            When reading through texts, it is possible to identify how the subjects and even objects of study are developed. That is because writing functions to represent the complex formations of the society, culture, and politics, as well as the experiences of the readers within it.  Hence, it is possible to use writing to create various meanings and interpretations which will enable the creation of new knowledge. The novels, “Welcome to our Hillbrow,” by Mpe (2001) and “A Small Place,” by Kincaid (1988) will be used to identify how writing develops new knowledge.

Writing as a Mode for Producing New Knowledge

            One way through which knowledge is created is through personal experiences since it reminds the reader what it felt like to be in a similar situation (Mpe, 2001). An example of such a situation is the racism and discrimination of foreigners. In Hillbrow, foreigners are unwanted despite the fact that they may also be African just as the locals. Therefore, the audience is able to learn about the various views that people have with regards to foreigners. It is possible to determine why locals behave so harshly towards the immigrants. In Kincaid (1988), such personal experience is witnessed when issues such as corruption and criminality are addressed in the varying four sections. These are problems common in various societies, and everyone is currently dealing with the effects first-hand.

            In the text by Mpe, it is also possible to understand a given issue from opposing sides. The use of the word “you” to refer not only to the reader, but also the narrator and other characters enables this understanding (Mpe, 2001). It prompts an audience to understand how a given character perceives others, and why this is the case. Therefore, the reasons behind specific behaviours can be identified in these subjective behaviours, thereby creating an understanding of the triggers and resulting outcomes. A similar outcome is present in “A Small Place,” where four loosely structured sections featuring the reader’s thoughts and experiences as a tourist, Kincaid’s own memories of the old Antigua, the current state of events in Antigua, and lastly a description of the place (Kincaid, 1988). Here, different experiences and viewpoints are offered.

            The topic “Welcome to out Hillbrow” has also been reformulated in various ways, depending on who is speaking (Mpe, 2001). It appears to be used by the locals, where they are letting the foreigners into their space. However, this can also imply that it belongs to the locals alone, and not the immigrants who join them. This may offer an effective explanation of their possessive behaviour in relation to factors such as job opportunities. Foreigners are not welcomed for too long. The topic is also formulated to refer to the space where Refentše now lives, but is challenged by a series of issues which need to be addressed. Similarly, in “A Small Place,” the topic plays out to feature four different perspectives Kincaid (1988). Showing that it really is not a small place if different experiences are being witnessed.

Conclusion

            The novels represents the reality that many individuals experience in their societies. Individual experiences and perceptions can also be derived from the plots. It also encourages the readers to question their own ideas and prejudices. Hence, new knowledge in created which was not known before the situation could be analysed from various perspectives.