Leaving a legacy: Cullen Mackenzie writes for his children and generations to come
Cullen Mackenzie wrote Impi yeHlathi because he wanted other children to experience the stories he had told his own children and isiZulu students. Mabhengwane of
Publishing in indigenous languages: Research shows that a child who learns in their mother tongue – especially in primary school – has the optimal language foundation for literacy and continued learning while developing stronger personal and cultural identity and connections.
Not only that, but children taught in their indigenous languages gain reading and comprehension skills more quickly and effectively and are better able to transfer those skills to any other language at a later stage.
In other words, we are failing our children by switching their language of instruction to English in Grade 4.
Is there any surprise our Grade 4 learners scored so low in the PIRLS study?
Of course, we don’t mean to suggest that the language of instruction is the only factor contributing to the worrying state of our education system. The fact remains – and is interconnected with the broader social dynamics at play – that insufficient work is being done to preserve and promote our local languages.
While this is partly a result of the historical marginalisation and intentional suppression of our indigenous languages, the ongoing neglect of our linguistic heritage has severe effects on both individuals and society.
If reading with meaning is the gateway to all learning and mother-tongue learning is most effective, it follows that kids need access to books they can enjoy in their own languages.
At Zazi Books, we know that stories are central to what it means to be human and that our mother tongue is deeply entwined with our identity. We also know that our kids need relevant, relatable, enjoyable stories if we are to encourage them to read for pleasure.
Zazi Books aims to meet our children’s needs with stories that speak to them in their own languages, stories that affirm their identities and reflect their unique context, stories that ignite their joy of reading and unlock their potential.
But more than delighting South African children with books that resonate with them, publishing in indigenous languages is our opportunity to not only affirm our local languages and contribute to the canon of published works in each language, but also ensure that there are resources and experienced language practitioners to support the work.
We believe in the far-reaching effects of this vital work: How it impacts children’s cognitive, academic, and psychological development and well-being, and society’s cultural, social, and economic welfare.
In giving South African tweens access to indigenous-language books that are relevant, enjoyable, and affordable, we hope to preserve culture, promote inclusivity, and foster a sense of belonging, enriching the cultural, social, and political fabric of our country.
Representative stories have a powerful magic in reflecting who each person is in relation to their community, a literary version of Ubuntu. “I am because we are” enriches our culture in a truly African way through the power of stories in our home language.
Cullen Mackenzie wrote Impi yeHlathi because he wanted other children to experience the stories he had told his own children and isiZulu students. Mabhengwane of
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