Ep 17: Tirelo Makgeledisa & Tuelo Gabonewe – Writing literature for young adults in Setswana

Young adult readers need literature that speaks to their experiences, their imagination and their language. In this episode of Thekgang Talking, Tirelo Makgeledisa and Tuelo Gabonewe explore the writing of young adult literature in Setswana and the role such literature can play in developing young readers and strengthening the language’s place within contemporary publishing. The conversation looks at the challenges and possibilities of writing for young adults in Setswana, while considering the importance of stories that young readers can recognise as their own. At the heart of the discussion is a simple question: what happens when young people can find themselves, their experiences and their language in the books they read?

Credits

Executive Producers (for Thekgang NPO):

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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