The Evolution of the Sesotho sa Leboa Young Adult Novella : A Critical and Comparative Study (1940-1969)

Abstract

This is a critical and comparative study that examines the blossoming and maturation of the Sesotho sa Leboa (Northern Sotho) Young Adult (YA) novella from the canon of novels in that language. The periods under examination are divided into three decades, namely, 1940–1949, 1950-1959 and 1960-1969. Taking into account the significant research done by scholars in Sesotho sa Leboa, very little is known about YA literature and in particular, the Young Adult novella (novelette or novel). This somewhat confusing sub-genre is clarified and dissected by literary theorists from different orientations and traditions (schools of thought). It is envisaged that this research work will help language practitioners in Sesotho sa Leboa, and other languages to make informed decisions about the classification of the sub-genre in terms of its literary elements. Defining the age cohort of the young adult has also been, and still is, a hotly debated terrain. Arguably, the problem stems from diverse societies trying to provide a uniform definition of a global community. In many instances, the age definition of ‘who is the young adult’ seems to be more complex and political in nature. In the final analysis, the study provides guidelines for the literary evaluation of texts for use in secondary schools, tertiary institutions and for the selection of books for libraries. Novice writers, in comparison with their predecessors, will also become more conversant with the requirements of the sub-genre. For this reason, Sesotho sa Leboa literature will continue to grow and develop in all facets in relation to quality, insight and world view.

Afrikaans: Hierdie is 'n kritiese en vergelykende studie wat die bloei en volwassenheid van die Sesotho sa Leboa (Noord-Sotho) jong volwassene (YA) novelle vanuit die kanon van romans in daardie taal ondersoek. Die periodes wat ondersoek word, word in drie dekades verdeel, naamlik 1940–1949, 1950-1959 en 1960-1969. Met inagneming van die beduidende navorsing wat wetenskaplikes in Sesotho sa Leboa gedoen het, is daar baie min bekend oor jong volwassene-literatuur en veral die novelle van jong volwassene romans. Hierdie ietwat verwarrende subgenre word deur literêre teoretici uit verskillende oriëntasies en tradisies (denkrigtings) verhelder en gedissekteer. Daar word voorsien dat hierdie navorsingswerk taalpraktisyns in Sesotho sa Leboa en ander tale sal help om ingeligte besluite te neem oor die klassifikasie van die subgenre in terme van die literêre elemente daarvan. Die definisie van die ouderdomsgroep van die jong volwassene was, en is nog steeds, 'n baie gedebatteerde terrein. Die probleem spruit waarskynlik uit uiteenlopende samelewings wat probeer om 'n eenvormige definisie van 'n wêreldgemeenskap te gee. In baie gevalle,lyk die definisie van 'wie die jong volwassene' is, meer kompleks en polities van aard. Uiteindelik bied die studie riglyne vir die literêre evaluering van tekste wat gebruik kan word in sekondêre skole, tersiêre instellings en vir die keuse van boeke vir biblioteke. Beginnersskrywers, in vergelyking met hul voorgangers, sal ook meer vertroud raak met die vereistes van die subgenre. Om hierdie rede sal die literatuur van Sesotho sa Leboa aanhou groei en ontwikkel in alle fasette in verhouding tot kwaliteit, insig en wêreldbeskouing.