Die wye wêreld in:'n ondersoek na landskap en identiteitskonstruksie in Suid-Afrikaanse en Nederlandse prenteboeke

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The hypothesis of this study is that literary theory and theories concerning space,landscape and the construction of identity, are not only applicable to written texts,but also to visual texts. To prove this, the relevant theories were applied in theanalyses of four selected Afrikaans and Dutch picture books, as well as to my ownpicture book, the practical component of this MA study.Space, which is transformed into landscape when observation becomes perception,interacts with the construction of identity in texts in different ways, inter alia becausechanges regarding space lead to changes regarding identity. Although social identity(how others see us) is important, it can lead to stereotyping, while a focus on selfidentity(how we see ourselves) is conducive in treating children as individuals – asis done regarding adults – with a wide variety of interests and inclinations. Space,landscape and the construction of identity are important vehicles to convey meaningin narratives – not only in literature for adults, but also in picture books, where it canplay a role in both written text and illustrations to bring extra depth and dimension.Illustrations are most frequently in a complementary relationship with words becausethey activate additional meaning, but it can also convey messages in a contrapuntalor even contradictory manner. The utilization of these aspects links with the fact thatmany South African and Dutch writers and illustrators are of the opinion that bothchildren and adults enjoy really successful children's books.This study indicates that the use of theories on landscape and identity in theanalyses of picture books can lead to the discovery of deeper meanings, which showthe literary merit of the texts. In this regard, illustrations should not be regarded ashaving only an aesthetic, supplementary function, but should be appreciated as anequal partner in conveying meaning, which gives an extra dimension to picturebooks.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University