Short Stories from
the Outer Circle

"English belongs to all who use it, however they use it." That's the belief behind this anthology of short stories from around the world. Each story is from a country where English continues to play a major role long after independence from colonization. Although there may be differences in grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and pragmatics, one thing remains the same: All variations of English are legitimate and deserving of a role in the canon of English literature. Each short story in this collection is an authentic example of the power of language to celebrate both our cultural diversity as well as our common humanity.



Getting started

A short introduction
2022

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
2014


From Southeast Asia: Together and apart

Petronas Towers at night

Shih-Li Kow
Malaysia
2021


An open book with two pages folded in to make a shape that looks like heart

Cyril Wong
Singapore
2007-2021

From South Asia: Shifting perspectives

A pond covered with green plant material and pink flowers and surrounded by trees

Shabnam Nadiya
Bangladesh
2016


From Africa: You and me

Gameboard tokens: 7 or 8 orange ones on the left and 1 brown one on the right

Jude Dibia
Nigeria
2007


Two arms -- one brown, one white -- reaching out and touching each other

Neema Komba
Tanzania
2017


From the Americas: Same but different

A large, round ceiling with windows covered in colorful stained glass

Ahkim Alexis
Trinidad and Tobago
2021


Images