New children’s book on life of last Nluu speaker

AN INSPIRING biography about the challenges the last Nluu speaker and teacher, Ouma Katrina Esau, experienced during her childhood in the struggle to preserve her mother tongue, is beautifully illustrated in a children’s book, Golden Girl, written by Lorato Trok.

Trok, who has over 20 years of experience in children’s literature and hails from Kuruman, said she has always been fascinated with Esau’s life story.

“I have always had a deep love for the story of Ouma Katrina ever since I heard about her in 2020. I am intrigued by languages and the preservation thereof, as well as the teaching of indigenous languages to young children,” said Trok.

“I saw it as vital to document the story of Ouma Katrina, as I realised that her story is mostly written by visitors and authors from overseas. The life and work of Ouma Katrian is mostly told by the Western world. Her story of how she clung to her mother tongue despite being threatened with death, is truly inspiring.

“She has over the years carried her knowledge and love of the Nluu language over to youngsters by establishing her own school. That is such a ‘boss’ move as Ouma Katrina was not allowed to go to school and does not know how to read and write. Despite the odds that were against her, she has started a school.”

Trok said she also wanted to showcase part of the country's history through the story of Esau’s younger days.

“Ouma Katrina grew up during a time of oppression. Ouma Katrina and her family grew up on a farm where they were forbidden to speak Nluu. Though they were forced to speak Afrikaans, Ouma Katrina spoke Nluu in secret with her parents.

“That speaks volumes about how language can shape our children. Not only did the family suffer oppression in the form of not being allowed to express themselves in their own language, but they all had to take on the coloured identity as they were recognised as San people.

“This story is important as children nowadays do not know about the history of the country. Youngsters have very limited knowledge about the history of the country and many do not see the importance of being able to freely communicate in your mother tongue. This book is a way of documenting the untold and silent struggles some legends faced back then.”

She added that the book is available in all languages predominantly spoken in the Northern Cape.

“The book is available in Afrikaans, English and Setswana as well as Xhosa. It is for sale in all bookstores in the Province as well as online. During September, we will be launching the book in Postmasburg and in Rosedale, Upington, as that is where Ouma Katrina resides.

“We have been compiling this book for the past eight years. Although it may seem like a long journey, I wanted to ensure that I tell the story exactly the way Ouma Katrina would have, had she written it herself.

“ It was a very informative and educational journey that we walked with one of the country’s legends, and it is an honour that this story will form part of the archives we have on those who fought for freedom of linguistic expression,” Trok concluded.