Isixhosa author over the moon as he travels across Africa to promote the language

Isixhosa author and lecturer Sinoyolo Nokutywa has received a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel across Africa to promote the language.

The writer, born in Khohlo in Mqanduli, said he had always loved isixhosa but never expected this love could be passed on to others through his writing.

“I never dreamt of being a language activist and practitioner though I knew that I was good at isixhosa.”

Nokutywa said he tended to come top in isixhosa at high school.

“When I was at varsity my development of African languages grew as I was influenced by the late Prof Mntuwoxolo Kwetana, Dr Ncumisa Vapi and Dr Mfusi Hoza.”

The author said isixhosa represented his identity and culture, and deserved to be preserved.

“I have learnt from people such as the Khoi and San who lost their native languages while they were using Afrikaans.

“Now they are trying to reanimate their languages. I want to see isixhosa used as an academic language in all fields of study including architecture, mathematics, science, technology and agriculture.”

Nokutywa said his first two books were funded by the department of sport, recreation, arts & culture.

And his fans should look out for another two books that were on their way.

His book, Yhoo! Bandenzile, was read by colleagues from Fort Hare and WSU who felt it should be prescribed to students.

His colleagues recognised his contribution to the development of isixhosa.

He said he was honoured and grateful to know institutions of higher learning recognised his contribution.

He said writing formed part of what an academic was.

Source: https://www.news24.com/news24/community-newspaper/mthathaexpress/wsu-linguist-travels-africa-to-develop-isixhosa-20230822