By Loveness Hulwane
The North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Languages and Language Directorate, in partnership with the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), recently organised a Language Awareness Week across the university’s three campuses.
Themed "Multilingualism: Reaching new academic frontiers through linguistic resources", the week took place from 26 to 30 August. It featured various festivities and engaging linguistic activities aimed at promoting indigenous African languages, and encouraging discussions on utilising various languages in academic settings to enhance learning and teaching.
The week also included a Multilingual Symposium under the same theme at the Vanderbijlpark Campus on 29 August, featuring various speakers.
They included Prof Bonisiwe Zungu, who discussed the utilisation of artificial intelligence for African languages, Prof Mantoa Montinyane, who focused on the incorporation of African languages to teach other subjects such as mathematics, and Prof Leketi Makalela, who discussed the development of African languages and the importance of collaboration among advocates of African languages.
Prof Lollie Makhubu-Badenhorst shared insights on the need for students to be exposed to their native languages to avoid dilution, and Nikiwe Matebula from the Pan South African Language Board outlined the board’s structure and duties. Furthermore, Goitsemodimo Seleka spoke about the utilisation of multilingualism by big companies in South Africa and the importance of having language policies written in English for schools that also teach some African languages.
Dr Johannes Tsietsi Mahlasela from the Language Directorate says the symposium definitely contributed to the implementation of the NWU's multilingualism policy, which encourages the use of African languages. He adds that the symposium addressed challenges within the fields of language and education, as well as the practical application of multilingualism in teaching and learning.
"The symposium holds great significance for the Language Directorate and CTL, as it aligns with our mission of promoting a multilingual policy, fostering language awareness, and effectively implementing the university's language strategy. This initiative is crucial in ensuring that the university's community is fully knowledgeable about and engaged in these language awareness activities."
Dr Mahlasela also highlights the importance of discussing available resources and providing necessary training for academics to effectively implement multilingual pedagogy.
"This event not only promoted language awareness and multilingualism, but also served as a platform to address the practical challenges associated with implementing a multilingual policy within an academic environment," he adds.
The NWU Language Awareness Week concluded with a reenactment of a traditional African bridal negotiation between the Basotho, Nguni, Tsonga and Venda tribes.
The panellists engage with the audience during the Multilingual Symposium.
Language Awareness Week featured a reenactment of a traditional African bridal negotiation between the Basotho, Nguni, Tsonga and Venda tribes.
