Frederick Philander
3 December 2008
Windhoek — By her own admission, Afrikaans children stories have had a profound influence and fascinating effect on the reading culture of Namibian novelist, Neshani Andreas.
She shared this information last weekend as a guest speaker at the launch of the Budding Writers Society of Namibia.
Among the Afrikaans literature she read were 'Bollie en sy vrolike familie', 'Kyk, Keur and Huisgenoot'.
"I do not recall exactly when I developed the desire to write, but it was sometime in my teenage years. I started to tell people I wanted to write. I am not sure whether people did not believe me or simply did not think I had what it takes to be a writer. So, I stopped talking about writing," she recalled.
One day, according to her, she felt she was ready to write.
"I was computer literate, had polished my use of the English language and I had a 'wider world perspective', as I lived in different Namibian communities and had travelled quite extensively. However, I discovered later that there was really no need for me to wait for 'improved English or computer literacy or any other preconditions I set for myself," she remembered gratefully for her interest in reading, primarily in Afrikaans.
"Through reading about different people and their cultures I have realised that we are not so different after all. I have learned through reading and added to what my parents, teachers, leaders and friends have taught me. I feel I am a better person today because I read. Therefore my heart bleeds for people, especially students, who do not read other than for the purpose of just getting a better grade," she warned.
She is optimistic that through the new writers' society a culture of reading will be cultivated and strengthened.
"The Budding Writers Society of Namibia is a home to prospective writers, who want to see their creativity blossom, a home where writers write for no other reason than for the love of it and support each other to grow," she said encouragingly.
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2008 New Era. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
