Ep 14: Bobo Lukhele & Upile Bongco – Multilingualism in Children’s Literature, where every child hears their story in their language

Multilingualism in Children’s Literature, where every child hears their story – their language.

Language is often the first bridge between a child and a story.

In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Bobo Lukhele and Upile Bongco explore the importance of multilingualism in children’s literature and the role publishers play in ensuring that every child can experience books in the language that speaks most directly to them.

The discussion reflects on the value of mother-tongue literacy, the importance of representation in children’s publishing and the opportunities created when books become accessible across South Africa’s many official languages.

This episode is a celebration of language, inclusion and the belief that every child deserves to see, hear and recognise themselves in the stories they read.

Credits

Executive Producers (for Thekgang NPC): Lorraine Sithole, Terry-Ann Adams and Melvin Kabwe

Thekgang Talking is a books and publishing podcast, covering topics that cut across the books and publishing ecosystem, from indigenous language writing and publishing to alternative manifestations of books such as audiobooks and graphic novels. Guests on the podcast include authors, publishers, booksellers, festival directors and literacy organisations. For more information, visit thekgang.org.za.

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