Sisteemtendense in die Afrikaanse literatuur: 'n bestekopname van 1983

摘要

A survey of the Afrikaans literary scene of 1983 might one day prove to be a survey of this literary system on the eve of a “new dispensation”. From the ranks of the Afrikaans literary establishment there was a resounding “Yes” to the 1983 referendum which effectively compartmented ‘culture' to ‘own affairs'. In this time of political change and adjustment the role of the Afrikaans intellectual and writer within the South African community has once again become an urgent point of debate. From literary texts themselves, from established journals and ‘little magazines' there are clear indications that a reflection on ideology keeps recurring. There are also voices on the periphery of the literary system which demand attention - young black poets and dramatists have for some years been involved in enacting and reciting their Afrikaans works on the Cape Flats and in townships on the Rand. Looking back at the Afrikaans literary scene of 1983, and its relationship with the socio-political context, one is left with two main impressions. On the one hand the literary establishment has confirmed its faith in reform under the leadership of the National Party. On the other hand there are developments in extra-parliamentary politics and within the literary system itself which threatens the equilibrium. Which of these trends will be the decisive factor with regard to the literary dispensation must be awaited.