Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study discusses the role of the indigenous picturebook in South Africa and the positive aspects it holds with regards to developing a reading culture in this country. Specific focus is placed on postmodern picturebooks and it discusses why these types of books are more succesfulsuccessfulin teaching children to read than “traditional” picturebooks, and finally to promote a healthy reading culture. The main argument is that picturebooks occupy a void where different factors such as didactic and economic elements should be taken into consideration. The possible role picturebooks can play in the rehabilitation of the dying Nama language and culture is also considered as well as links between Nama and Afrikaans stories. HibridityHybridity theory is also taken into account and possibilities of merging Afrikaans and Nama to create a bilingual picturebook is also explored. The picturebook is also discussed as a form consisting of different factors.These factors include elements regarding narrative theory and semiotics. The premise of this discussion is based on Roland Barthes’ theory regarding the meaning of signs, namelysemiotics. Narrative theory is also taken into consideration with special reference to Perry Nodelman’s theory regarding the combination of narratology and semiotics in the dissection of picturebooks. In the conclusion it is discussed why it is very important for writers and illustrators to have a sound understanding of the theory regarding picturebooks in order to create quality picturebooks. The main theme in this study is that picturebooks are a perfect medium for children to learn how to read and develop their visual literacy. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie bespreek die inheemse kinderprenteboek in Suid-Afrika en die bydrae wat dit kan lewer om hierdie land se agteruitgaande leeskultuur te stuit. Die postmoderne kinderprentboek word uit die oogpunt van 'n illustreerder bespreek deur klem te plaas op die positiewe bydrae wat hierdie tipe boeke tot 'n gemeenskap se leeskultuur kan lewer. Daar word hoofsaaklik geredeneer dat kinderprenteboeke in Suid–Afrika oor die algemeen 'n problematiese ruimte beset waar elemente soos die didaktiese invloed, die ekonomie en ook taal in ag geneem moet word. Hierdie verhandeling ondersoek ook die rol wat die inheemse kinderprenteboek kan speel in die behoud van die sterwende Nama gemeenskap se taal en kultuur, asook die verband tussen Afrikaans en Nama. Deur te kyk na hibriditeitsteorie word ook bepaalof Afrikaans en Nama suksesvol saam in 'n kinderprenteboek kan funksioneer. Die verskillende faktore wat tot die kinderprenteboek as 'n geheel bydra, word ook bespreek, naamlik narratief- en semiotiekteorie. Deur staat te maak op Roland Barthes se semiotiekteorie en Perry Nodelman se narratiefteorie word kinderprenteboeke as 'nkunsvorm bespreek. Die gevolgtrekking van hierdie studie bespreek waarom dit vir illustreerders en skrywers van kinderprenteboeke noodsaaklik is om te besef hoe kinderprenteboeke as 'n visuele teks funksioneer om sodoende'nkwaliteit produk vir kinders te kan skep. Die kinderprenteboek is 'nideale medium waarin kinders kan leer om teks en beeld bymekaar te bring.