Black Panther’s Accent is a Commentary on Colonialism
3. Black Panther’s Accent is a Commentary on Colonialism
In a recent interview, Chadwick Boseman was asked why he chose to give the character an “African” accent. After all, wouldn’t the wealthy prince of an African nation be educated in English, the language of commerce and diplomacy? Wouldn’t T’Challa have spent his college years in London or New York or some other urban playground for the rich?
Boseman responded that he gave his character an accent to change perceptions about Africa that were formed because of colonialism:
“Colonialism in Africa would have it that, in order to be a ruler, his education comes from Europe. I wanted to be completely sure that we didn’t convey that idea because that would be counter to everything that Wakanda is about. It’s supposed to be the most technologically advanced nation on the planet. If it’s supposed to not have been conquered — which means that advancement has happened without colonialism tainting it, poisoning the well of it, without stopping it or disrupting it — then there’s no way he would speak with a European accent.”
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