Representations of the Boer in French youth literature during the Anglo Boer War

CITATION: Steyn, J. E. T. 2010. Boer-uitbeeldings in Franse jeugliteratuur tydens die Anglo-Boereoorlog. Literator, 31(1):37-56, doi: 10.4102/lit.v31i1.36.The original publication is available at http://www.literator.org.zaVoorstellings van die “ander” of die “vreemde” word grootliks beïnvloed deur die voorsteller se eie historiese konteks. Wanneer hierdie konteks verander, gebeur dit dikwels dat die voorstelling van die “ander” ook aangepas word by hierdie veranderings. Hierdie artikel kyk kortliks hoedat die Franse voorstellings van die Boere verskil in jeugromans wat vóór die Anglo-Boereoorlog geskryf is van jeugromans wat oor die Anglo-Boereoorlog handel. Vóór die oorlog word die Boer as ’n Nederlandse afstammeling beskryf wat byna agterlik en in uiterste eenvoud leef. Wanneer die Anglo-Boereoorlog uitbreek, word die Boer egter ’n soort alter ego vir die Franse wat indirek Frankryk se stryd teen die Britte voortsit. Hierdie artikel bespreek die manier waarop die Franse hulle voorstelling van die Boere aanpas sodat jong Franse lesers met die Boere kan identifiseer.Representations of the “other” or alterity are to a large extent influenced by the historical context of the onlooker. When this historical context changes, it often happens that the representation of the “other” is adapted accordingly. This article provides a short overview of the way in which French representations of the Boers in youth novels written before the Anglo-Boer War differ from youth novels about the war. Before the war the Boer is described as a Dutch descendant living in utmost, almost barbaric, simplicity. When the Anglo- Boer War breaks out, the Boer becomes an alter ego for the French who indirectly continue the French struggle against the British. This article discusses the way in which the French adapt their representation of the Boers in order for young French readers to identify with the Boers.http://www.literator.org.za/index.php/literator/article/view/36Publisher's versio