Changing representations of indigenous identity through the language of picturebooks

Abstract

How do picturebook writers express Indigenous identities? How can picturebooks support readers to develop their understandings of Indigenous languages and cultures? In this lecture, we will focus on picturebooks published by Indigenous publisher HUIA, focusing on representations of te reo Māori (the Indigenous Māori language). In addition to identifying words and phrases from te reo Māori, we will consider how writers position those words in text to support reader comprehension, and how illustrators contribute to and enhance our understandings of cultural meanings. Unfolding research in this area points to shifting methods in writing that enhance the reader's access to new knowledge.