Cultural identity : a critical evaluation of Bosigo as Setswana picture book

Abstract

The aim of this study was to highlight requirements of a picture book for children as well as to investigate references to culture and identity in a book suitable for children. In this study, Bosigo, as an example of a picture book for children, was evaluated. The same text, Bosigo, was used to explore the ways in which concepts, such as culture and identity, form part of the text. Attention was given to the plea of various authors that books for children, particularly Batswana children disclosed room for improvement. These authors' concerns regarding the quantity of books available to Batswana children, were also highlighted. Guidelines, as set by Norton, were applied to examine whether the requirements of a picture book were met when the book, Bosigo, was developed. According to Norton's theory certain questions should be asked when selecting a good picture book. These theories were furthermore refined by means of an exploration of basic art principles. As a result of this study it was found that Bosigo as picture book does conform to some of the requirements of a picture book suitable for children. Working definitions for terms such as culture and cultural identity were obtained from investigations into the work of various scholars, especially Hofstede's concept regarding levels of culture. It was established that the concept of cultural identity is represented in the picture book Bosigo. Furthermore, it was concluded that Bosigo as a picture book has succeeded in representing diversity in culture, thus giving rise to a change in perception regarding the stereotypical representation of cultural differences in society. In a nutshell, it may be suggested that the book, Bosigo, has in many ways answered the pleas of various authors that the quality of books for children, particularly Batswana children, should be improved.