The stuttering implementation of language policies in the South African education system
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Date
2012-01
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zululand
Abstract
The current status of indigenous African languages in South Africa has caught the attention of language experts, academics
and the general public. The main focus of this article is on the role which schools can play to promote and develop
indigenous African languages. Schools are viewed as a fertile ground where second languages can be grounded, particularly
urban schools which are multiracial, with learners from different linguistic backgrounds. The article observes that while the
South African government is committed to promoting and developing indigenous African languages, the implementation
of its sound policies on education is lacking. The Language-in-Education Policy (2004) is cited as an ideal, the goals of
which, once achieved, could mean massive progress. The article decries the lack of commitment on the part of
native speakers of indigenous African languages, in some instances, to invest in their languages, as a retrogressive step
in the promotion and development of these languages.
Description
Peer reviewed article published under Inkanyiso, Volume 4, Issue 1, Jan 2012, p. 58 - 62
Keywords
Language policy, African languages, multilingualism, South African Language system
Citation
Mncwango, E.M., 2012. The stuttering implementation of language policies in the South African education system. Inkanyiso: Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 4(1), pp.58-62.