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Melange appears on a local newspaper, Guardian, Thursday 16-22 May 2002

We were requested an interview by Bevan Hurley, a student studying journalism at Massey University in Wellington, New Zealand, and two of us – Akari Takamine and Shrr Tzyy – had an interview with him in early April, 2002 (as other members were away then). The interview happened to appear as an article on a local newspaper circulated around Palmerston North, where we live, after a photo of all five members was taken a month later.


Guardian, Thursday 16 May, 2002

  • INTERNATIONAL LITERATURE – The Eighth Continent members take a look over their latest magazine. Clockwise, from left rear, Itsuka Parkes (originally from Japan), husband Daniel Parkes (Oamaru, South Island), Shyr Tzyy (Taiwan), Megumi Kanie (Japan) and Emiri Yamamoto (Japan). Photo: Guardian M-0
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    Language no barrier for writers

    By Bevan Hurley

    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).

    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.

    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.


    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

    Look at the genuine article >>

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