This revised version of a lecture on the relationship of African language and Hispano-American literature illustrates the historical influence of the African slave on representative literature and modern culture of the Caribbean Islands. Introductory remarks focus on the migratory patterns of the African slaves. The concept of negritude is then examined in selected literary works by black and Hispanic authors. Finally, the author discusses other linguistic and sociocultural contributions of early African writers to Hispanic culture. (RL)