Professor Hlongwa argued that in South Africa’s multilingual landscape, any approach to additive multilingualism must incorporate indigenous African languages.
“Indigenous African languages are fundamental to South Africa’s multilingual diversity. Scholars have emphasised the importance of embracing multilingualism through indigenous African languages.”
Multilingualism is essential for facilitating communication across languages and cultures, both socially and professionally. It also fosters social cohesion among different groups in society.
She further noted that African languages offer valuable resources in South Africa’s multilingual context, particularly in breaking down communication barriers in professional environments.
“The promotion of bilingualism and multilingualism helps to dispel ideological misconceptions about African languages, which were perpetuated through colonial and apartheid policies,” she said.
Language Policy Framework
Professor Hlongwa also discussed the revised Language Policy Framework for Public Higher Education Institutions, which seeks to promote and strengthen the use of all official languages in public higher education, including teaching, learning, and communication, as mandated by Section 29(2) of the South African Constitution.
“The Policy provides a framework for higher education institutions to develop responsive institutional language policies. These policies should drive real transformation, resulting in improved access to knowledge and greater student success.
It also underscores the significant value of multilingualism in opening up access to diverse literatures and cultures and as a key factor in social cohesion, intercultural communication, effective service delivery, and overall citizen satisfaction.”
Across South Africa, various institutions are actively involved in initiatives to foster additional language acquisition, promoting African languages as languages of teaching and learning in higher education.
In conclusion, Professor Hlongwa remarked: “UMP, as a university situated in Mpumalanga, could adopt four languages within its language policy: Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, and SiSwati. I recommend that the institution establish a language board and develop a language policy.
Additionally, the creation of a University Language Planning and Development Office would assist in implementing the language policy. A survey of the languages used within the university would also be advisable.”
About the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) Institutional Forum
The Institutional Forum, established under the Higher Education Act of 1997, advises the University Council on matters specified in the Act. The UMP Institutional Forum advises the Council on policy formulation, the recommendation of candidates for executive management roles, and other key matters.
Professor Hilda Israel, UMP’s Dean of the Faculty of Education, is currently the Chairperson of the UMP Teaching & Learning Committee of the Senate.
“The forum is a subcommittee of the University of Mpumalanga Council, with members representing the Senate, staff, unions, and other bodies.
It plays a crucial role in promoting and safeguarding high academic standards within the institution,” explained Professor Israel.
Story by Lisa Thabethe.