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English professor publishes book on 'embracing' cultural differences

By Amy Gage
April 9, 2005

Associate Professor of English Joseph Mbele, a native of Tanzania who has taught at St. Olaf since 1991, recently published the book Africans and Americans: Embracing Cultural Differences. Mbele uses personal anecdotes to illustrate the differences in African and American culture.

The book aims "to help prevent cultural miscommunications which might poison or ruin relationships between Africans and Americans," Mbele says. "I am lucky to have lived in both Africa and America, and I feel priviledged and obliged to share my views and experiences with others."

As a teacher, Mbele specializes in the connection between folklore and literature. He has taught courses on Swahili literature, African literature, post-Colonial and Third World literature, and African-American literature.

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.