An overview of South African studies on and with wordless picturebooks

Abstract

Wordless books, spanning generations and intriguing illustrators and scholars, convey narratives through visuals, fostering creativity and overcoming language barriers. They hold cultural potential for promoting multilingualism and cultural awareness in South Africa, but local production and research on wordless picturebooks are limited. This study synthesises academic interest in wordless picturebooks in South Africa, published in English from 1990 to 2023, summarising current research themes and suggesting new directions. A semi-systematic literature review (SSLR) using Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted. After eliminating duplicates and applying exclusion criteria, 23 publications were selected for comprehensive analysis. The review provides a thematic overview, analysing publishing patterns, aesthetic and analytical approaches, visual catalysts, cultural appropriateness, reading strategies, audiences and involvement. This review highlights their research potential and suggests future theoretical and practical advancements.