Appreciation for Counterpoint column plaudits from a man treated like stranger

I WOULDhave liked to say a personal thank you to everyone appreciative of the Counterpoint column.

This is not possible though. But, for now – from one alumnus (of a great institution) to another – I express only my gratitude to Keith Watkins for his most pointedly written letter of April 7 in which, within a few lines, he takes in all that I believe should characterise writing when done well.

He mentions the crafting of an article (a keen insight); the emotion that worthwhile writing carries; the telling imagery of the words. And, of course, the kind of judgement that denounces intellectual cowardice, but also praises honest forthrightness.

I hope to be of further meaningful service to our readership.

And to Ms Fenja Clarke (April 8) I express appreciation for her similar consideration of my writing.

However, a thought I did not put forward in my response to Clarke was that I am sincerely pleased about her recognition.

It centre-places my Afrikaans work beyond an environment where, on the whole (I say on the whole), I am considered an outsider, a Camus-like étranger, in respect of “their” language.

My work is often glossed over as if it does not exist, despite my thoroughgoing Afrikaans being.

What obscene full-frontal, inbreeding temerity!

And, as in the days of apartheid, I find sanctuary – a home to live in – in English. Professor Adam Small