Fiji Sun

Professor Subramani

By JOELENE TUIMOALA

One of the country’s prominent writers and novelists wants more books to
 be written in the iTaukei language.
Professor Subramani was in the North late last week where he stated there
 was a need for more iTaukei writings as this was the only way the iTaukei
 language could be preserved.
“We want to encourage writing not only in Hindi, but in Fijian (iTaukei) 
also. There is a need for more Fijian writings as there are very little 
that is available,” Professor Subramani stated.
He added the need to build up literature in the Fijian language in order 
for the language to develop.
“We want the Fijian language to develop because we want it to be preserved;
 we want it to be used correctly in the media. We want the highest level of
 studies, we want research to be undertaken so that it becomes a living, 
developing, growing and dynamic language, and all that can be achieved if 
there is more writing in the language,” Professor Subramani said.
Professor Subramani was at the Fiji National University Campus last week 
to undertake a day-long workshop where the 30 participants, who are mostly 
teachers from schools around the Labasa area, were taught how to write.
“Participants will start their writing, and there will probably be later workshops where they will finish 
writing,” he said.
Professor Subramani said there would also be a writers’ association formed in Labasa after the workshop.
“The purpose of this Labasa Writers Association will be to encourage writers in Labasa to write more, help 
publish books and also to distribute books by Labasa writers. And most importantly part of the work that we 
will do is networking; making connections with all the writers who are living in Viti Levu and overseas,” he said.