In But perhaps, just maybe…, Duck and Hedgehog were heading to repair their bike tires one fine day when, “Cat zoomed past on her red motorcycle, riding by them and raising a billowing cloud of dust.” An outraged Duck declared: “Horrible cat! She should have some consideration for others!” Hedgehog however, was inclined to give … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: But perhaps, just maybe…
It has been a great pleasure and opportunity for me to be the guest editor for Madagascar Literature Month in December 2021. First of all, it was a pleasure to connect with so many talented Malagasy writers, poets, translators and publishers, to interview them, to read their works and to learn from them about this … Continue reading #MadagascarLitMonth: Summing Up A Magical Literary Trip
Hainteny is the traditional poetry of Madagascar. Hainteny means ‘knowledge of words’ in Malagasy language. It is part of traditional oral literature of Madagascar, which is mostly in the form of a dialogue between a female and a male, and strongly reminds me of poems of Tamil Sangam literature and Gatha Saptasati of India. Leonard … Continue reading Hainteny: Traditional Poetry of Madagascar
Kabary is a highly stylized form of speech delivered in a loud voice in a public gathering which has been a vital part of Malagasy culture for centuries. The Malagasy word 'Kabary' comes from the Arab word 'Kabar' which means a way of thinking. It has to be accompanied by proverbs (Ohabolana) and sayings so … Continue reading Kabary: Traditional Malagasy Speech
Ohabolana or Malagasy proverbs show the wit and wisdom of the Malagasy people distilled from the rich experience of living. There are hundreds of Malagasy proverbs and sayings. I have selected a few which impressed me the most. Hope you too will find these proverbs enlightening and imbibe the wisdom they offer to live better … Continue reading Ohabolana: Malagasy Proverbs
Global Literature in Libraries Initiative 