Writing
in English is hard enough when it is your first language.
For
members of The Eighth Continent, a group of young writers in Palmerston
North, it is even harder.
For
most of the group which includes founding members from
Japan, Taiwan and New Zealand English is their second language.
But
that hasn't stopped them writing, editing and printing a literature
magazine, Melange (French for mixture).
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Group
writer Akari Takamine, who is studying environmental studies at
International Pacific College, says they wanted to communicate
with the people of Palmerston North and decided that publising
their art in a magazine form was the best way to do that.
"Even
though it's not our first language, we wanted to express ourselves
in English we live in an English speaking country."
Melange
contains poetry, essays and relay writing, and promotes inter-cultural
awareness. The latest issue has an informative language section,
focussing on the Chinese language and the challenges various people
have had with learning it.
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Shrr
Tzyy, studying computer science at Massey University, has put
together magazines since his high school days in Taiwan. He says
it can be difficult writing in a language which he is still learning.
"I
write in Chinese first, then translate into English even
though sometimes the meaning is not the same."
The
editorial of the latest issue calls on guest writers to submit
their work for future editions of Melange.
However
Itsuka Parkes (nee Yamasaki) makes it clear that "art for
art's sake", or art that is designed for shock appeal, does
not interest them.
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She
says: "My original intention of forming The 8th Continent was
to realise 'simple art' can be expressed in words we do not
accept works with any offensive, inappropriate theme or language.
Because they do not shock us."
With
four volumes released since the group's birth one year ago, The
8th Continent is currently taking a break as two of the group
writers were recently married.
Copies
of the magazine can usually be found in the city library, or can
be accessed on the web @ www.oocities.org/melange8c
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