Answer to Question #218781 in English for Carisma

Question

Considering the history of children’s literature on the African continent, and more specifically in South Africa, discuss how this situation may have contributed to the fact that South Africans are not regarded as a reading nation.

Answer 1

Children's literature in Africa, like other forms of literature, emanated from stories that are passed down from one generation to another by word of mouth. Such tales in South Africa can be traced back to 400 BCE. However, the first documented folk tale is Panchatantra from India. The struggle of Africans for independence contributed negatively to the growth of literature in South Africa. Most literature is attributed to the apartheid rule; thus, children of the blacks are discouraged from reading them. Much of the literature written by natives is limited in viewpoint for it apprehended perceptions, aspirations, and traditions as to belong to people, not themselves. Lastly, South African diversification discourages the reading habits of South African children.