Man, 71, launches autobiography in local tongue

 By SHEILA MALKEN

A 71-YEAR-old Orokaiva author launched his first autobiography, titled The man who would not die last month.

Lucian Vevehupa is from Jajau village in Popondetta, Northern, has been a priest, a politician and an outstanding traditional dancer.

Written in his mother tongue, Orokaiva, two-third of the text concerns his ancestors’ life and customs with his personal story in the later part.

Andre Iteanu, a French professor of anthropology, who worked among the Orokaiva people in PNG since the 1980s, translated the book from Orokaiva to English.

During the book launching, Iteanu said he was happy and proud to have completed the translation.

“I am interested to be here because it is fascinating to see that the author has a comprehensive coherent vision of the world, a gift that is rare among humans,” Iteanu said.

First PNG scholar, Prof John Waiko said this book has given a unique window of Northern’s past in the country and its distinct language.

Vevehupa said he was not well educated but was more concerned about the lost cultures and customs of his people.

“Children are following the western way of living, and this book is for them to read and understand our own cultures and customs,” he said.

“In a way, my book is promoting our own cultures and tradition. 

“We are currently confronted by many changes, but we have to hold on to our beliefs and values.”

The book is published by UPNG press and bookshop and selling cost is K70.