The following text discusses postcolonial literature.
Postcolonial writers often employ the colonizer's language in subversive ways. Salman Rushdie famously declared the intent to "decolonize" English, bending its syntax and vocabulary to express non-Western experiences. This strategy raises complex questions: does adapting imperial languages perpetuate cultural domination, or does creative appropriation challenge and transform dominant narratives? The debate illuminates fundamental tensions between resistance and accommodation in postcolonial identity formation.
What is the primary purpose of the text?
To argue definitively that postcolonial writers should use their native languages
To describe a literary strategy and the debates it generates
To provide a biography of Salman Rushdie
To compare British and American English usage
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The text describes the subversive language strategy and the debates it generates (perpetuation vs. transformation).
- Evidence: The text describes the strategy: "employ the colonizer's language in subversive ways." It cites Rushdie: "'decolonize' English." It notes the debate: "raises complex questions... perpetuate cultural domination, or... challenge and transform."
- Reasoning: The passage moves from a literary technique to the political/philosophical debate surrounding it.
- Conclusion: The purpose is to describe a strategy and debates.
💡 Strategy: Summarize: Strategy (Using English) + Debate (Is it good or bad?).
Choice A is incorrect because the text presents both sides. Choice C is incorrect because biography isn't provided. Choice D is incorrect because national Englishes aren't compared.