CYNTHIA VANDEN DRIESEN
A Note on the cover of Cynthia vanden Driesen’s book Writing the Nation,Patrick White and the Indigene (Rodopi Amsterdam 2009) claims that “As a result of varied life-experiences,her research interests have developed beyond the colonialist bias of her early education.” This bias is evident in the English degree taught at the University of the (then) University of Peradeniya in which she first enrolled. It began with a study of the 14h century poet Chaucer and concluded with the study of T.S Eliot.(1888-1965).Yet the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore had already won the Nobel prize for Literature in 1913 and the new literatures in English from the once-colonised areas of the world were developing apace.
Her first-published book of academic essays was entitled Centering the Margins (1995) spoke of the need for expanding interest in literatures in English beyond the traditional Anglo Celtic boundaries which had subsisted since the beginnings of the teaching of English literature. Cynthia’s MA thesis focused on all of the novels of the Indian novelist RK Narayan and explored their remarkable attraction for international audiences.
research scholar & author
Books
Writing the Nation:
Patrick White and the Indigene
Patrick White Centenary:
The Legacy of a Prodigal Son
Globalisation:
Asian-Australian Perspectives
Association for the Study
of Australasia in Asia
The Association for the Study of Australasia in Asia (ASAA) is a not-for-profit academic organisation dedicated to strengthening intellectual, cultural and institutional connections between Asia and Australasia. Established in 1995, ASAA promotes the study of Australasia across Asian countries while fostering deeper engagement with Asia within Australia and New Zealand.
Operating through collaborative Asian and Australasian branches, the Association supports research, resource development, academic exchange, and interdisciplinary dialogue across fields including arts, culture, education, science, industry and social studies. Through its triennial international conferences, annual newsletter, and cross-institutional partnerships, ASAA provides a platform for scholars committed to advancing Australasian Studies throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
