P.I.A.F. is delighted to announce the launch of The Little Prince in the Bemba language of Zambia, the first of 15 editions of The Little Prince in vernacular languages.
Our thanks to AF Lusaka and to our patron, the Fondation Jean-Marc Probst pour le Petit Prince.
Forthcoming works currently in preparation: Jersey, Panama, Vanuatu…
THE ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE IN LUSAKA UNVEILS “AKAANA KAMFUMU” TO ZAMBIA AND THE WORLD!
“The literary world recently witnessed a delightful event with the launch of a Bemba translation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s timeless classic, “The Little Prince”, translated into “Akaanakamfumu”.
The book launch at the Alliance Française in the heart of Lusaka on 24 August marked an important moment in the history of local literature, as this famous tale was introduced to a new audience in the Bemba language. The launch event celebrated the language, culture and enduring appeal of “The Little Prince”. Attendees included avid readers, linguists and literary enthusiasts keen to discover the magic of the tale in a new linguistic and cultural context. “The Little Prince”, written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and first published in 1943, is a timeless short story that blends elements of fantasy and philosophy. The tale explores themes of love, friendship, imagination and the importance of seeing beyond the surface to truly understand life. With its unique illustrations and poignant storytelling, “Akaana kamfumu” has captured the hearts of readers around the world, becoming a beloved classic that transcends generations and cultures and is currently the most translated book in the world.
2,000 copies of the books have been published by Maiden Publishers for distribution to local schools teaching Bemba throughout the country.
In fact, the aim of the project is to create and develop intercultural dialogue, encourage the preservation of local languages and foster mutual interest in reading books in general.
The Jean-Marc Probst Foundation for The Little Prince is warmly thanked for its support in the publication of this edition in Bemba. Special thanks also go to Agence P.I.A.F. for its general coordination of this project, Mulenga Kapwepwe for coordinating the translation work and the translators Austin Kaluba and Bupe A. Mwansa. Everyone can read or borrow “Akaana kamfumu” at the library of the Alliance française de Lusaka, on Avenue Alick Nkhata in LongAcres.”
Source: Press release Alliance Française de Lusaka Zambia
