Promoting children’s literature: The challenges and possibilities of using the Internet in a developing society

Abstract

This article explores the possibilities and practicalities of using the Internet in a multicultural society such as South Africa to the benefit of language and cultural identity, media literacy and children’s literature. Stories create opportunities for worlds to meet and for cultural and language identities to be formed – especially in the minds of children. It is thus of crucial importance that children’s literature should be available and advanced in all indigenous languages. The Internet, the information and communication technology of the future, can play a significant role in the creation and transference of cultural identity, including the advancement of indigenous languages in general, and literature and literacy in particular. The vast technical possibilities of the Internet, its cost-efficiency and interactive and inviting character make it an important option to consider for the advancement of children’s literature. Although access to the Internet in South Africa is still relatively limited, the importance of new communication technologies is recognised by various policies, the implementation of which could result in the accessibility of electronic media and the literacy of its users. With “Storiewerf”, an existing website for Afrikaans children’s literature as a working example, new websites can be developed to provide content and services for other target groups as well.