The collected papers from the August 1998 conference on literature, language and politics in Southern African countries held in Namibia. Topics covered include language and globalisation, current studies in black South African English, the German language in Namibia, the Portuguese language in Angola, new directions in women's creative work, the dilemma of transition in Tshivenda poetry and the direction of literature in post colonial contexts. Refs, tables, 226pp, Namibia. GAMSBERG MACMILLAN, 9991602909

2001 Paperback

A collection of ten essays on new writers from Southern Africa: Brink, Breytenbach, Hove, Chinodya, Dangarembga, Ndebele, Chimombo, Zimunya, Mbuli, Qabula, Dikobe, Ndosi. Notes, bib, 172pp, UK. JAMES CURREY PUBLISHERS, 0852555385

A study of the links between orality, literacy, religion and power. The chapters seek to delineate some of the contours of indigenous knowledge systems which sustained resistance to colonialism and continue to provide resources for the struggles of post-apartheid society. Refs, notes, vi, 270pp, SOUTH AFRICA. CLUSTER PUBLICATIONS, 1875053441

One of the most up to date compilations of data and analysis on the state of Southern African languages and the debates surrounding oral literature traditions. The information is organised by country and compiled by the Oral Traditions Association of Southern Africa. Tables, x, 306pp, NAMIBIA. GAMSBERG MACMILLAN, 9991603719

This collection of essays explores aspects of popular culture in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia. The degree of state control over theatre, the interaction - or lack of it - between high and popular culture, the struggle to define meaningful cultural forms in the wake of a dominating and exclusive colonial culture and the contribution of women, are among the issues covered. Though what emerges is a strong sense of regional concerns shared by the Southern African cultures under discussion, the contributors also give voice to crucial differences and debates on the nature of contemporary theatre and performance and the links with popular culture, politics and nation. The book is an expanded and enlarged edition of a special issue of the "Journal of Southern African Studies" which appeared in 1990. Includes an interview with Gcina Mhlope. Index, 293pp, SOUTH AFRICA. WITS UNIVERSITY PRESS.

An intriguing variety of questions, clues and answers carefully compiled from material found in the author's own study about the Southern African literary scene. 80pp, SOUTH AFRICA. SPEARHEAD.

A major study of the work of writers from Southern Africa, from stone age Bushmen to Es'kia Mphahlele, Nadine Gordimer and Andre Brink. Focuses on the dynamic relationship between literary culture and political life in countries with fiercely contested histories. Index, refs, bib, chronology, notes, xxxi, 533pp, UK. UNIVERSITY OF NATAL PRESS, 1869140281

The first book length analysis of African women's writing of Southern Africa with a focus on writing the body. The thesis is that women are not voiceless, but hold a powerful, liberating potential. BNS, 269pp, GERMANY. PETER LANG.

Guide providing anthropological and historical research as well as literary criticism on six narra-tives from Southern Africa: Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga, When Rain Clouds Gather by Bessie Head, Fools and Other Stories by Njabulo Ndebele, Six Feet of the Country by Nadine Gormider, and Mother to Mother by Sindiwe Magona. The background and critical materials are integrated into lesson plans, which include rep, teacher resources, and reading resources. 222pp, USA. AFRICA WORLD PRESS.

Now in paperback. A collection of writing, songs, letters and documents offering a cross section of the literary output and historical presence of Southern African women from the nineteenth century to the present. Each entry is prefaced by an introduction placing the extract in its social and historical context. Herero, Zulu, Ju/'hoansi, Afrikaans, English, Sesotho, Xhosa, Ndonga and /Xam women are represented. Also includes writings by well known Southern African women such as Nadine Gordimer, Bessie Head, Tsitsi Dangarembga, Ingrid de Kok, Sindiwe Magona, Gcina Mhlophe, Winnie Madikizela Mandela, Antjie Krog, Unity Dow, Yvonne Vera and Doris Lessing. Index, xxx, 554pp, USA. FEMINIST PRESS, 1558614079