Abstract
M.A.
The purpose of basal readers is to teach children to read. When a child has the
opportunity to learn to read in his native language, his chances on success in
learning and reading increase, because the language is known to him. The current
policy on education determines that children should receive instruction in their
mother-tongue, especially in the first year.
Keeping this in view, this study considers the possibility of making translated basal
readers available to African languages, and more specifically, to Northern Sotho.
Chapter 1 discusses criteria set for proper basal readers and evaluates existing
Afrikaans readers accordingly. In Chapter 2, children's literature are discussed in
terms of characteristics and background. The development of children's literature
in Northern Sotho is briefly discussed as well. Theoretical issues concerning
transposition and translation are discussed in Chapter 3 to determine what are
involved in transposition and translation and what aspects are transposed and
translated. Chapter 4 deals with the empirical application of the theory. Problems
transposers and translators are faced with are discussed with the aid of applicable
examples.