No 8 - Malay Children’s Literature

Malay Children’s Literature

Children’s preference and tastes in choosing what to read has become more sophisticated. Local Malay writers and publishers need to acknowledge this fact and only then can they find ways to attract our children to read Malay and Muslim publications. Not only are Malay publishers up against electronic media and video games producers (which are making aggressive drive to encourage children to buy and engage their products) but also better quality and more creative English publications both local and international.

International book publishers have anticipated this challenge to their industry from the electronic media and had no alternative but to improve on the quality and creativity of their products. That strategy paid off and they have managed to sustain readership especially among children.

From that perspective, the challenge facing local Malay writers and publishers is finding ways to lure Malay readers back to read and appreciate Malay literature and they can only do that by emulating the strategy adopted by international publishers, that is, to start producing better quality and creative publications.

As quoted by Assoc Prof Hadijah Rahmat (Assistant Head, Malay Division, Asian Languages and Cultures, NIE, NTU)

“It is imperative that a quality programme be instated to streamline the writing and development of Malay children’s books that can generate knowledge potential, creativity and at the same time produce literary talents. This will help to create an ideal environment towards the appreciation of Malay children’s literature.”

You can read the full article below:

http://cyberita.asia1.com.sg/rencana/story/0,3617,85659,00.html?