(Unused) potentials of educators’ covert language policies at public schools in Limpopo, South Africa:
- Kretzer, Michael M, Kaschula, Russell H
- Authors: Kretzer, Michael M , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174679 , vital:42500 , DOI: 10.1039/D0PP00075B
- Description: Language policy is an influencing factor of the educational outcome for pupils in Africa. Colonial languages have been largely used and African Languages are neglected. Despite this, the South African Constitution (1996) declares eleven official languages. However, curricular developments favour Afrikaans and English. To analyse the implementation of the official language policy, we focus on Limpopo Province. Over 1000 questionnaires were answered by teachers. This approach aimed to analyse the language practices and language attitudes of teachers. Schools in Limpopo showed significant differences between the official language policy and the daily language practices. Some teachers implement the official language policy; others use one or more African languages in their oral communications during the lessons in the form of Code Switching.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Kretzer, Michael M , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174679 , vital:42500 , DOI: 10.1039/D0PP00075B
- Description: Language policy is an influencing factor of the educational outcome for pupils in Africa. Colonial languages have been largely used and African Languages are neglected. Despite this, the South African Constitution (1996) declares eleven official languages. However, curricular developments favour Afrikaans and English. To analyse the implementation of the official language policy, we focus on Limpopo Province. Over 1000 questionnaires were answered by teachers. This approach aimed to analyse the language practices and language attitudes of teachers. Schools in Limpopo showed significant differences between the official language policy and the daily language practices. Some teachers implement the official language policy; others use one or more African languages in their oral communications during the lessons in the form of Code Switching.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
'Hayi, they don’t know Xhosa’: Comparative isiXhosa teaching challenges in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng
- Kaschula, Russell H, Kretzer, Michael M
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Kretzer, Michael M
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:42499 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02572117.2019.1672318
- Description: Language-in-education policy in South Africa is underpinned by the Constitution. The gap that this research addresses is the inconsistency of policy implementation and the actual teaching of isiXhosa in primary schools. It analyses the official and overt language policy and the (covert) language practices at schools. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with language teachers and principals. Data were also gathered from classroom observations and document analysis in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng. On the one hand, there are standard language policy documents that exist. These advocate for English as a language of learning and teaching and isiXhosa as a subject. On the other hand, the daily reality in classrooms partly reflects this policy implementation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Kretzer, Michael M
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:42499 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02572117.2019.1672318
- Description: Language-in-education policy in South Africa is underpinned by the Constitution. The gap that this research addresses is the inconsistency of policy implementation and the actual teaching of isiXhosa in primary schools. It analyses the official and overt language policy and the (covert) language practices at schools. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with language teachers and principals. Data were also gathered from classroom observations and document analysis in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng. On the one hand, there are standard language policy documents that exist. These advocate for English as a language of learning and teaching and isiXhosa as a subject. On the other hand, the daily reality in classrooms partly reflects this policy implementation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A case for the adoption of Swahili as a language of early school literacy instruction in Ekegusii-speaking areas of western Kenya:
- Mose, Peter, Kaschula, Russell H
- Authors: Mose, Peter , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174645 , vital:42497 , https://www.njas.fi/njas/article/view/433
- Description: Swahili, a national and official language in Kenya, is in wide use in the country as an inter-ethnic medium of communication and, generally, as a lingua franca. The operative language policy for lower primary–up to grade three–provides for the use of languages of the catchment as languages of instruction. The languages of the catchment refer to the more than 42 indigenous languages spoken in the country. The purpose of this study was to determine and discuss institutional and extra-institutional factors that might favour adoption of Swahili as the best medium–in the current sociolinguistic realities–in the ‘language-of-the-catchment-based’ literacy learning in Ekegusii-speaking areas of western Kenya. Data were obtained through classroom observations, teacher and church leaders’ interviews, observation and analysis of language trends at church worship services, and critical literature review.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mose, Peter , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174645 , vital:42497 , https://www.njas.fi/njas/article/view/433
- Description: Swahili, a national and official language in Kenya, is in wide use in the country as an inter-ethnic medium of communication and, generally, as a lingua franca. The operative language policy for lower primary–up to grade three–provides for the use of languages of the catchment as languages of instruction. The languages of the catchment refer to the more than 42 indigenous languages spoken in the country. The purpose of this study was to determine and discuss institutional and extra-institutional factors that might favour adoption of Swahili as the best medium–in the current sociolinguistic realities–in the ‘language-of-the-catchment-based’ literacy learning in Ekegusii-speaking areas of western Kenya. Data were obtained through classroom observations, teacher and church leaders’ interviews, observation and analysis of language trends at church worship services, and critical literature review.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Culture, language and productivity in the workplace within the BRICS Nations:
- Kaschula, Russell H, Mostert, André M, Wolff, H Ekkehard
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Mostert, André M , Wolff, H Ekkehard
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174624 , vital:42495 , https://journals.co.za/doi/pdf/10.25159/2663-6697/5009
- Description: The changing economic environment globally carries challenges and opportunities for business. Cross-cultural environments and financial integration call for greater understanding of the workplace. The authors assess the usage and status of language and culture in workplaces within the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) countries through a light touch survey to assist in framing further and deeper research activities. The objective is to develop a suitable research framework regarding the place of language and culture in the workplace in multilingual and multicultural contexts. The authors argue for the inclusion of a cultural dimension linked to multilingual strategies in the workplace. The inextricable link between language and culture is explored in this article.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Mostert, André M , Wolff, H Ekkehard
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174624 , vital:42495 , https://journals.co.za/doi/pdf/10.25159/2663-6697/5009
- Description: The changing economic environment globally carries challenges and opportunities for business. Cross-cultural environments and financial integration call for greater understanding of the workplace. The authors assess the usage and status of language and culture in workplaces within the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) countries through a light touch survey to assist in framing further and deeper research activities. The objective is to develop a suitable research framework regarding the place of language and culture in the workplace in multilingual and multicultural contexts. The authors argue for the inclusion of a cultural dimension linked to multilingual strategies in the workplace. The inextricable link between language and culture is explored in this article.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Developing Mother Tongues as Academic Languages in Primary Schools in Kenya: Exploring Extent and Indispensability
- Mose, Peter N, Kaschula, Russell H
- Authors: Mose, Peter N , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174793 , vital:42510 , https://doi.org/10.1080/15348458.2019.1645605
- Description: The language in education policy in Kenya recommends mother tongue education in primary school learning. The purpose of this study was to explore the development of mother tongues as academic languages at the lower primary section in which the languages are supposed to be used. The exploration was on the functions they play in classroom instruction and if they are dispensable or otherwise. Ekegusii was used as a case study. Data were obtained through classroom observations and administration of semi-structured interviews with lower primary teachers. The findings indicate that mother tongues play important pedagogical functions in grades 1 up to 3, but not exactly as contemplated in the language policy. Secondly, mother tongues are indispensable in classroom teaching in spite of negative attitude towards their use.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mose, Peter N , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174793 , vital:42510 , https://doi.org/10.1080/15348458.2019.1645605
- Description: The language in education policy in Kenya recommends mother tongue education in primary school learning. The purpose of this study was to explore the development of mother tongues as academic languages at the lower primary section in which the languages are supposed to be used. The exploration was on the functions they play in classroom instruction and if they are dispensable or otherwise. Ekegusii was used as a case study. Data were obtained through classroom observations and administration of semi-structured interviews with lower primary teachers. The findings indicate that mother tongues play important pedagogical functions in grades 1 up to 3, but not exactly as contemplated in the language policy. Secondly, mother tongues are indispensable in classroom teaching in spite of negative attitude towards their use.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
International book donors and public libraries as partners in primary school literacy development in Kenya:
- Mose, Peter, Kaschula, Russell H
- Authors: Mose, Peter , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174783 , vital:42509 , https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-05-2018-0046
- Description: The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of international library materials aid in primary schools and to outline obstacles to effective utilization for maximum literacy benefits among primary school children. Data were gathered via interviews, observation, focus group discussions and document analyses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mose, Peter , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174783 , vital:42509 , https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-05-2018-0046
- Description: The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of international library materials aid in primary schools and to outline obstacles to effective utilization for maximum literacy benefits among primary school children. Data were gathered via interviews, observation, focus group discussions and document analyses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Language policy and linguistic landscapes at schools in South Africa:
- Kaschula, Russell H, Kretzer, Michael M
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Kretzer, Michael M
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174635 , vital:42496 , https://doi.org/10.1080/14790718.2019.1666849
- Description: Language policy and Linguistic Landscapes (LL) are a highly contested area in South Africa. Due to Apartheid, the education system constitutes the core of such contestation. In Post-Apartheid South Africa the new Constitution of 1996, the South African Schools Act (SASA) and recent political initiatives such as the Use of Official Languages Act of 2012 form the foundation of language policy at schools. The Constitution declares 11 official languages on a macro-level. Nevertheless, English dominates the LL in South Africa. African Languages are significantly underrepresented in the public sphere. The vast majority of research emphasises the urban or semi-urban areas. This research tries to close the existing research gap with a broad comparative study in three research provinces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Kretzer, Michael M
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174635 , vital:42496 , https://doi.org/10.1080/14790718.2019.1666849
- Description: Language policy and Linguistic Landscapes (LL) are a highly contested area in South Africa. Due to Apartheid, the education system constitutes the core of such contestation. In Post-Apartheid South Africa the new Constitution of 1996, the South African Schools Act (SASA) and recent political initiatives such as the Use of Official Languages Act of 2012 form the foundation of language policy at schools. The Constitution declares 11 official languages on a macro-level. Nevertheless, English dominates the LL in South Africa. African Languages are significantly underrepresented in the public sphere. The vast majority of research emphasises the urban or semi-urban areas. This research tries to close the existing research gap with a broad comparative study in three research provinces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Mbeki's African Renaissance Vision as Reflected in isiXhosa Written Poetry: 2005–2011
- Mona, Godfrey V, Kaschula, Russell H
- Authors: Mona, Godfrey V , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174705 , vital:42502 , ttps://doi.org/10.1080/18186874.2018.1457616
- Description: IsiXhosa literary critics have not yet interrogated literature that was produced during and after the tenure of Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki as deputy president and president of the Republic of South Africa in order to study the impact of his African Renaissance doctrine. This article analyses poetry that was produced from 2005 to 2011. The content of the isiXhosa written poetry is profoundly influenced by the context of former President Mbeki's African Renaissance philosophy, its implementation structures and philosophy of self-confidence and self-reliance. The selected poems analysed and interpreted in this article suggest that Mbeki's legacy of the African Renaissance empowered poets to develop a narrative that advances the building of a regenerated South African nation and the African continent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mona, Godfrey V , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174705 , vital:42502 , ttps://doi.org/10.1080/18186874.2018.1457616
- Description: IsiXhosa literary critics have not yet interrogated literature that was produced during and after the tenure of Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki as deputy president and president of the Republic of South Africa in order to study the impact of his African Renaissance doctrine. This article analyses poetry that was produced from 2005 to 2011. The content of the isiXhosa written poetry is profoundly influenced by the context of former President Mbeki's African Renaissance philosophy, its implementation structures and philosophy of self-confidence and self-reliance. The selected poems analysed and interpreted in this article suggest that Mbeki's legacy of the African Renaissance empowered poets to develop a narrative that advances the building of a regenerated South African nation and the African continent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Remembering the Late Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Through the Eyes of the Poet:
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174912 , vital:42521 , https://doi.org/10.1080/1013929X.2018.1439860
- Description: This article seeks to explore the life and post-democratic work of President Mandela through the eyes of the poet. More specifically, two moments in time are captured and analysed, namely, Mandela’s release from prison together with the lead up to the first democratic South African elections in 1994; and his passing in 2013. This analysis includes the work of poets such as Bongani Sitole, Maya Angelou, Raphael d’Abdon and Thabo Mbeki. The mechanics of translation and the interrelatedness of orality and literacy are explored. The poetic memory contained in this article presents us with an approximation towards the collage of collective memory in a country where economics, politics, and society still present multiple challenges, and where political power often challenges the true collective memory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174912 , vital:42521 , https://doi.org/10.1080/1013929X.2018.1439860
- Description: This article seeks to explore the life and post-democratic work of President Mandela through the eyes of the poet. More specifically, two moments in time are captured and analysed, namely, Mandela’s release from prison together with the lead up to the first democratic South African elections in 1994; and his passing in 2013. This analysis includes the work of poets such as Bongani Sitole, Maya Angelou, Raphael d’Abdon and Thabo Mbeki. The mechanics of translation and the interrelatedness of orality and literacy are explored. The poetic memory contained in this article presents us with an approximation towards the collage of collective memory in a country where economics, politics, and society still present multiple challenges, and where political power often challenges the true collective memory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
South African national reconciliation discourse and isiXhosa written poetry: 1994–2004
- Mona, Godfrey V, Kaschula, Russell H
- Authors: Mona, Godfrey V , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174690 , vital:42501 , DOI: 10.1080/02572117.2018.1429867
- Description: The main thesis put forward in this article is that during the first ten years of democracy in South Africa, 1994–2004, isiXhosa poetry contributed thematically to the goal of reconciliation. Furthermore, this poetry demonstrates how an aspect of culture can be employed to advance the sociopolitical process of reconciliation. IsiXhosa writers, through their poetry, exposed the on-the-ground endeavours that contributed to the broader and deepening reconciliation process, thereby making a meaningful contribution towards the interpretation and building of a fair, democratic and inclusive South African society. The article analyses a number of poems against the backdrop of the post-1994 reconciliation process in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mona, Godfrey V , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174690 , vital:42501 , DOI: 10.1080/02572117.2018.1429867
- Description: The main thesis put forward in this article is that during the first ten years of democracy in South Africa, 1994–2004, isiXhosa poetry contributed thematically to the goal of reconciliation. Furthermore, this poetry demonstrates how an aspect of culture can be employed to advance the sociopolitical process of reconciliation. IsiXhosa writers, through their poetry, exposed the on-the-ground endeavours that contributed to the broader and deepening reconciliation process, thereby making a meaningful contribution towards the interpretation and building of a fair, democratic and inclusive South African society. The article analyses a number of poems against the backdrop of the post-1994 reconciliation process in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Alice in Wonderland: translating to read across Africa
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174901 , vital:42520 , https://doi.org/10.1080/13696815.2016.1160827
- Description: This article comments on various translation strategies aiming at equivalence used by translators when reworking Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland into nine African languages. The back translations provided by the translators form the basis for the discussion [Lindseth, Jon, ed. 2015. Alice in a World of Wonderlands. Volume 1: Essays. Delaware: Oak Knoll Press]. This article provides examples and discussion of how African language translators deviated from the original text and it analyses the possible reasons for doing so, both linguistic and socio-cultural. The way in which translators created an African voice in the target languages is discussed by analysing their reflective essays and back translations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174901 , vital:42520 , https://doi.org/10.1080/13696815.2016.1160827
- Description: This article comments on various translation strategies aiming at equivalence used by translators when reworking Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland into nine African languages. The back translations provided by the translators form the basis for the discussion [Lindseth, Jon, ed. 2015. Alice in a World of Wonderlands. Volume 1: Essays. Delaware: Oak Knoll Press]. This article provides examples and discussion of how African language translators deviated from the original text and it analyses the possible reasons for doing so, both linguistic and socio-cultural. The way in which translators created an African voice in the target languages is discussed by analysing their reflective essays and back translations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
From Technauriture to Cultauriture: Developing a Coherent Digitisation Paradigm for Enhancing Cultural Impact
- Mostert, André M, Lisney, Bob, Maroko, Geoffrey M, Kaschula, Russell H
- Authors: Mostert, André M , Lisney, Bob , Maroko, Geoffrey M , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/124528 , vital:35625 , http://www.ijscl.net/article_26650.html
- Description: Developing suitable frameworks and paradigms (theoretical and practical) is a challenge for all disciplines in the face of rapid technological changes. Technological advances are fundamentally changing discourse in many well-established areas of research; from advances in understanding the brain, questioning the informed wisdom of sectors of the brain, through to impacts of social networks on sociology, to digitisation of culture. Technology’s potential is a double-edged sword which calls for coherent and reflective practices, to avoid the many pitfalls which abound. Kaschula recognised this as far back as 2004 in terms of orality, oral societies, and developed Technauriture as a framing solution. Drawing from this experience, the authors aim to expand the concept to offer a framing paradigm for culture in the form of Cultauriture. In this article the concept of Cultauriture is introduced and expanded to create a base for further research and dialogue with and between cultural practitioners, artists and policy makers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mostert, André M , Lisney, Bob , Maroko, Geoffrey M , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/124528 , vital:35625 , http://www.ijscl.net/article_26650.html
- Description: Developing suitable frameworks and paradigms (theoretical and practical) is a challenge for all disciplines in the face of rapid technological changes. Technological advances are fundamentally changing discourse in many well-established areas of research; from advances in understanding the brain, questioning the informed wisdom of sectors of the brain, through to impacts of social networks on sociology, to digitisation of culture. Technology’s potential is a double-edged sword which calls for coherent and reflective practices, to avoid the many pitfalls which abound. Kaschula recognised this as far back as 2004 in terms of orality, oral societies, and developed Technauriture as a framing solution. Drawing from this experience, the authors aim to expand the concept to offer a framing paradigm for culture in the form of Cultauriture. In this article the concept of Cultauriture is introduced and expanded to create a base for further research and dialogue with and between cultural practitioners, artists and policy makers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Intellectualisation of isiXhosa literature: the case of Jeff Opland
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67030 , vital:29022 , https://doi.org/10.17159/2309-9070/tvl.v.54i2.413
- Description: publisher version , The origins of the intellectualisation of written isiXhosa literature are often attributed to the missionaries John Ross and John Bennie. They set up a printing press in the Tyhume Valley which later became known as Lovedale Press. They introduced written isiXhosa in 1823 and for this they are acknowledged as the first to write and publish in isiXhosa. This article attempts to trace this intellectualisation process of isiXhosa literature, concentrating on a critique and assessment of the life-long work of Professor Jeff Opland, who has contributed enormously to the present understanding of both oral and written isiXhosa literature. It is argued in this article that his corpus of books and academic articles require some contextualisation within the broader debate of the continued intellectualisation of isiXhosa language and literature. Reference is also made to the Opland isiXhosa literature archive and its contribution to the further intellectualisation of isiXhosa literature. It is suggested in this article that Opland is one of the greatest contributors to academic debates concerning isiXhosa literature and history. Izibongo or oral poems written by, and about Jeff Opland are analysed to further enhance the context of his contribution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67030 , vital:29022 , https://doi.org/10.17159/2309-9070/tvl.v.54i2.413
- Description: publisher version , The origins of the intellectualisation of written isiXhosa literature are often attributed to the missionaries John Ross and John Bennie. They set up a printing press in the Tyhume Valley which later became known as Lovedale Press. They introduced written isiXhosa in 1823 and for this they are acknowledged as the first to write and publish in isiXhosa. This article attempts to trace this intellectualisation process of isiXhosa literature, concentrating on a critique and assessment of the life-long work of Professor Jeff Opland, who has contributed enormously to the present understanding of both oral and written isiXhosa literature. It is argued in this article that his corpus of books and academic articles require some contextualisation within the broader debate of the continued intellectualisation of isiXhosa language and literature. Reference is also made to the Opland isiXhosa literature archive and its contribution to the further intellectualisation of isiXhosa literature. It is suggested in this article that Opland is one of the greatest contributors to academic debates concerning isiXhosa literature and history. Izibongo or oral poems written by, and about Jeff Opland are analysed to further enhance the context of his contribution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
In search of the African voice in higher education: the language question
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: African languages -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Educational change -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Multiligualism , Language and languages -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59274 , vital:27539 , http://dx.doi.org/10.5842/49-0-658
- Description: This article seeks to understand what South African universities are doing by making use of language as a tool or as an enabling voice towards Africanisation and transformation with particular reference to Rhodes University, which serves as a case study. Although many universities now have language policies in place and are part of an enabling policy environment, when it comes to using language as part of transformation and asserting an African voice, there are still policy implementation challenges. It is argued in this article that implementation of policy, including university language policies, is now a key indicator for two levels of transformation; namely the more superficially visible or visual representation transformation, as well as deeper curriculum transformation through appropriate language usage. It is the latter form of transformation that largely eludes the contemporary South African university, whether these are historically black universities (HBUs) or historically white universities (HWUs). With the exception of a few best practices that are highlighted in this article, it is argued that transformation of the curriculum remains a long-term process, in the same way that language policy implementation is an ongoing process and requires commitment at all levels of university managerial and academic culture. The African voice in higher education remains an elusive one; though it is gaining ground, as evidenced by the recent removal of the Cecil John Rhodes Statue at the University of Cape Town. Furthermore, there is evidence of selected ongoing curriculum and pedagogic transformation, as presented in this article.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: African languages -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Educational change -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Multiligualism , Language and languages -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59274 , vital:27539 , http://dx.doi.org/10.5842/49-0-658
- Description: This article seeks to understand what South African universities are doing by making use of language as a tool or as an enabling voice towards Africanisation and transformation with particular reference to Rhodes University, which serves as a case study. Although many universities now have language policies in place and are part of an enabling policy environment, when it comes to using language as part of transformation and asserting an African voice, there are still policy implementation challenges. It is argued in this article that implementation of policy, including university language policies, is now a key indicator for two levels of transformation; namely the more superficially visible or visual representation transformation, as well as deeper curriculum transformation through appropriate language usage. It is the latter form of transformation that largely eludes the contemporary South African university, whether these are historically black universities (HBUs) or historically white universities (HWUs). With the exception of a few best practices that are highlighted in this article, it is argued that transformation of the curriculum remains a long-term process, in the same way that language policy implementation is an ongoing process and requires commitment at all levels of university managerial and academic culture. The African voice in higher education remains an elusive one; though it is gaining ground, as evidenced by the recent removal of the Cecil John Rhodes Statue at the University of Cape Town. Furthermore, there is evidence of selected ongoing curriculum and pedagogic transformation, as presented in this article.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Technauriture as an Educational Tool in South Africa: translating to read across Africa
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174865 , vital:42516 , https://njas.fi/njas/article/view/109
- Description: This article seeks to situate the importance of orality in southern African communities within the paradigm of Technauriture, that being the intersection of technology, auriture and literature and how it relates to imparting educational messages within South Africa in particular. The process of orality as allowed for through, for example oral histories, music, poetry and story-telling, and how it interacts with the recording process facilitated through modern technology, as well as the return of the oral material via technology in educational and archival circles is further explored in this article. The question which this article seeks to understand is how technology can contribute in the educational milieu.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174865 , vital:42516 , https://njas.fi/njas/article/view/109
- Description: This article seeks to situate the importance of orality in southern African communities within the paradigm of Technauriture, that being the intersection of technology, auriture and literature and how it relates to imparting educational messages within South Africa in particular. The process of orality as allowed for through, for example oral histories, music, poetry and story-telling, and how it interacts with the recording process facilitated through modern technology, as well as the return of the oral material via technology in educational and archival circles is further explored in this article. The question which this article seeks to understand is how technology can contribute in the educational milieu.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
'Meaningful engagement’: Towards a language rights paradigm for effective language policy implementation
- Docrat, Zakeera, Kaschula, Russell H
- Authors: Docrat, Zakeera , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174812 , vital:42512 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02572117.2015.1056455
- Description: This article aims to develop the concept of ‘meaningful engagement’ in terms of the contemporary language policy implementation framework in South Africa. By exploring the current language policies, implementation and the current lack of effectiveness, the authors offer a new implementation focus drawn from the legal concept of ‘meaningful engagement’. ‘Meaningful engagement’ is a concept within the socio-economic rights sphere. This article expands and advances the concept within a language policy framework. Against the enabling legislative environment created by the Use of Official Languages Act 12 of 2012 and the overarching Constitutional framework which embeds the rights of all official languages, ‘meaningful engagement’ is developed and applied to selected language policies and practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Docrat, Zakeera , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174812 , vital:42512 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02572117.2015.1056455
- Description: This article aims to develop the concept of ‘meaningful engagement’ in terms of the contemporary language policy implementation framework in South Africa. By exploring the current language policies, implementation and the current lack of effectiveness, the authors offer a new implementation focus drawn from the legal concept of ‘meaningful engagement’. ‘Meaningful engagement’ is a concept within the socio-economic rights sphere. This article expands and advances the concept within a language policy framework. Against the enabling legislative environment created by the Use of Official Languages Act 12 of 2012 and the overarching Constitutional framework which embeds the rights of all official languages, ‘meaningful engagement’ is developed and applied to selected language policies and practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Teaching Mandarin in schools is another slap in the face for African languages
- Kaschula, Russell H, Nosilela, Bulelwa, Heugh, Kathleen, Hendricks, Monica, Maseko, Pamela
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Nosilela, Bulelwa , Heugh, Kathleen , Hendricks, Monica , Maseko, Pamela
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67042 , vital:29023 , https://theconversation.com/teaching-mandarin-in-schools-is-another-slap-in-the-face-for-african-languages-48505
- Description: publisher version , It’s said that behind every powerful language is an army and money. Consider the case of English. In South Africa, as in its other colonies, the British arrived with the Bible in one hand and the breech-loader in the other. Behind them was the English language, military might and money. British missionaries wanted to convert Africa’s indigenous “heathens” to Christianity; to clone little English people on the continent through the medium of English. Next came the Afrikaners, descended from the Dutch. Their slaves created a “kitchen” language out of Dutch and called it Afrikaans. White Afrikaners appropriated it as their own and it became the language of apartheid. One of the tipping points of white rule was the 1976 Soweto uprising – a furious, powerful response to the news that Afrikaans would become a compulsory medium of instruction. Now there is a new potential coloniser on South Africa’s linguistic block. From 2016, Mandarin will be taught in the country’s schools as a Second Additional Language. This new government policy will see African languages bumped even further down the educational pecking order.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Nosilela, Bulelwa , Heugh, Kathleen , Hendricks, Monica , Maseko, Pamela
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67042 , vital:29023 , https://theconversation.com/teaching-mandarin-in-schools-is-another-slap-in-the-face-for-african-languages-48505
- Description: publisher version , It’s said that behind every powerful language is an army and money. Consider the case of English. In South Africa, as in its other colonies, the British arrived with the Bible in one hand and the breech-loader in the other. Behind them was the English language, military might and money. British missionaries wanted to convert Africa’s indigenous “heathens” to Christianity; to clone little English people on the continent through the medium of English. Next came the Afrikaners, descended from the Dutch. Their slaves created a “kitchen” language out of Dutch and called it Afrikaans. White Afrikaners appropriated it as their own and it became the language of apartheid. One of the tipping points of white rule was the 1976 Soweto uprising – a furious, powerful response to the news that Afrikaans would become a compulsory medium of instruction. Now there is a new potential coloniser on South Africa’s linguistic block. From 2016, Mandarin will be taught in the country’s schools as a Second Additional Language. This new government policy will see African languages bumped even further down the educational pecking order.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
The intellectualisation of African languages, multilingualism and education: a research-based approach
- Kaschula, Russell H, Maseko, Pamela
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Maseko, Pamela
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: African languages -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Language policy -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Educational change -- South Africa , Multiligualism , Multicultural education -- South Africa , Language and languages -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59321 , vital:27548 , http://alternation.ukzn.ac.za/Files/docs/21 SpEd13/Alternation Spec Ed 13 (2014).pdf#page=13
- Description: This paper seeks to understand the relationship between the intellectualisation of African languages and the facilitation of a research approach which will enhance this intellectualisation. The paper examines the legislative language policies and other documents published by government since 1994, which guide language use and practices in higher education, including the Catalytic Project on Concept Formation in indigenous African languages (one of the recommendations contained in the Report commissioned by the Minister of Higher Education for the Charter for Humanities and Social Sciences and the language clauses of the Green Paper for Post-Secondary School Education and Training). These policy documents are analysed against the backdrop of the research work of the newly initiated NRF SARChI Chair in the Intellectualisation of African Languages, Multilingualism and Education hosted by Rhodes University. The paper argues that while policy provides an enabling environment for the promotion and development of indigenous African languages and advocates for promotion of equity and equality, in actual fact, HEIs still grapple in implementing provisions of these policies. The paper further discusses the teaching, learning and research in the African Language Studies Section of the School of Languages at Rhodes University and how the Section adopted the provisions of the national policy and institutional policy on language in turning itself into a source of intellectual vitality in the teaching, learning and research of particularly isiXhosa. Six focus areas of research, linked to the NRF SARChI Chair, will be outlined in order to create a practical link between Policy, Implementation and the Intellectualisation of African Languages. , Ucwaningo lolu luhlose ukuqonda ubudlelwano obuphakathi kokusetshenziswa kwezilimi zesintu emazingeni aphakame kanye nokusetshenziswa kwendlela yocwaningo ezokwengeza amathuba okusetshenziswa kwezilimi lezi (Finlayson & Madiba 2002). Ucwaningo luhlaziya inqubomgomo yolimi esemthethweni neminye imibhalo eshicelelwe uhulumeni elawula ukusebenza nokusetshenziswa kwezilimi kwezemfundo ephakame kusuka ngonyaka wezi-1994, kanye ne-Catalytic Project on Concept Formation in indigenous African languages (esinye seziphakamiso esiqukethwe embikweni owethulwa ngungqonqoshe wezemfundo ephakeme nge-Charter of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSSC 2011) kanye nezinhlamvu zamazwi e-Green paper for Post-secondary School education and training (2012). Imibhalo yenqubomgomo ihlaziywa kubhekwe umsebenzi wocwaningo kasihlalo we- NRF SARChl ekusetshenzisweni kwezilimi zesintu emazingeni aphakeme nobuliminingi kanye nezemfundo e- Rhodes University. Ucwaningo lolu luphakamisa umbono othi noma inqubomgomo isipha amandla okukhuphula nokuthuthukisa izilimi zesintu kanye nokukhuthaza ukulingana nokungacwasi, eqinisweni izikhungo zemfundo ephakeme zihlangabezana nobunzima bokusebenzisa izihlinzeko zenqubomgomo. Ucwaningo lolu luzoxoxa futhi ngokufundisa nokufunda kanye nocwaningo emnyangweni wezifundo zezilimi zesintu esikoleni sezilimi e-Rhodes University kanye nokuthi umnyango lo wamukela njani izihlinzeko zenqubomgomo kazwelonke kanye nezesikhungo eziphathelane nokuguqulwa kwezilimi zibe umthombo wenhlakanipho ekufundiseni nasekufundeni kanye nocwaningo ngolimi lwesiXhosa. Imikhaka emqoka eyisithupha yocwaningo ehlobene nesihlalo se-NRF SARChl izovezwa ukuze kwakhiwe ubudlelwano obenzekayo phakathi kwenqubomgomo, ukusetshenziswa kwayo kanye nokusetshenziswa kwezilimi zesintu emazingeni aphakeme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Maseko, Pamela
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: African languages -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Language policy -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Educational change -- South Africa , Multiligualism , Multicultural education -- South Africa , Language and languages -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59321 , vital:27548 , http://alternation.ukzn.ac.za/Files/docs/21 SpEd13/Alternation Spec Ed 13 (2014).pdf#page=13
- Description: This paper seeks to understand the relationship between the intellectualisation of African languages and the facilitation of a research approach which will enhance this intellectualisation. The paper examines the legislative language policies and other documents published by government since 1994, which guide language use and practices in higher education, including the Catalytic Project on Concept Formation in indigenous African languages (one of the recommendations contained in the Report commissioned by the Minister of Higher Education for the Charter for Humanities and Social Sciences and the language clauses of the Green Paper for Post-Secondary School Education and Training). These policy documents are analysed against the backdrop of the research work of the newly initiated NRF SARChI Chair in the Intellectualisation of African Languages, Multilingualism and Education hosted by Rhodes University. The paper argues that while policy provides an enabling environment for the promotion and development of indigenous African languages and advocates for promotion of equity and equality, in actual fact, HEIs still grapple in implementing provisions of these policies. The paper further discusses the teaching, learning and research in the African Language Studies Section of the School of Languages at Rhodes University and how the Section adopted the provisions of the national policy and institutional policy on language in turning itself into a source of intellectual vitality in the teaching, learning and research of particularly isiXhosa. Six focus areas of research, linked to the NRF SARChI Chair, will be outlined in order to create a practical link between Policy, Implementation and the Intellectualisation of African Languages. , Ucwaningo lolu luhlose ukuqonda ubudlelwano obuphakathi kokusetshenziswa kwezilimi zesintu emazingeni aphakame kanye nokusetshenziswa kwendlela yocwaningo ezokwengeza amathuba okusetshenziswa kwezilimi lezi (Finlayson & Madiba 2002). Ucwaningo luhlaziya inqubomgomo yolimi esemthethweni neminye imibhalo eshicelelwe uhulumeni elawula ukusebenza nokusetshenziswa kwezilimi kwezemfundo ephakame kusuka ngonyaka wezi-1994, kanye ne-Catalytic Project on Concept Formation in indigenous African languages (esinye seziphakamiso esiqukethwe embikweni owethulwa ngungqonqoshe wezemfundo ephakeme nge-Charter of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSSC 2011) kanye nezinhlamvu zamazwi e-Green paper for Post-secondary School education and training (2012). Imibhalo yenqubomgomo ihlaziywa kubhekwe umsebenzi wocwaningo kasihlalo we- NRF SARChl ekusetshenzisweni kwezilimi zesintu emazingeni aphakeme nobuliminingi kanye nezemfundo e- Rhodes University. Ucwaningo lolu luphakamisa umbono othi noma inqubomgomo isipha amandla okukhuphula nokuthuthukisa izilimi zesintu kanye nokukhuthaza ukulingana nokungacwasi, eqinisweni izikhungo zemfundo ephakeme zihlangabezana nobunzima bokusebenzisa izihlinzeko zenqubomgomo. Ucwaningo lolu luzoxoxa futhi ngokufundisa nokufunda kanye nocwaningo emnyangweni wezifundo zezilimi zesintu esikoleni sezilimi e-Rhodes University kanye nokuthi umnyango lo wamukela njani izihlinzeko zenqubomgomo kazwelonke kanye nezesikhungo eziphathelane nokuguqulwa kwezilimi zibe umthombo wenhlakanipho ekufundiseni nasekufundeni kanye nocwaningo ngolimi lwesiXhosa. Imikhaka emqoka eyisithupha yocwaningo ehlobene nesihlalo se-NRF SARChl izovezwa ukuze kwakhiwe ubudlelwano obenzekayo phakathi kwenqubomgomo, ukusetshenziswa kwayo kanye nokusetshenziswa kwezilimi zesintu emazingeni aphakeme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Oral literature in Africa
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Folk literature -- Study and teaching -- Africa , Oral tradition -- Africa , Folklore and education -- Africa , Books -- Africa -- Reviews
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59355 , vital:27563 , https://doi.org/10.1080/13696815.2012.756804
- Description: I have in my possession a first edition, hard copy of Ruth Finnegan’s quintessential work, Oral Literature in Africa. It has a yellow cover, preserved by a plastic sheathe, it is a little frayed around the edges and has that old, musty library smell about it. I love and treasure this book. It is dedicated by Professor Finnegan ‘[t]o all my teachers’. Professor Finnegan is indeed one of my teachers. I properly met Ruth Finnegan at the second International Society for Oral Literature (ISOLA) conference in 1998, which I hosted at the University of Cape Town. She gave a keynote address which included reference to her seminal work and the future of oral literary studies. She has continually influenced our work as researchers following in her footsteps: Isidore Okpewho, Harold Scheub, Abiola Irele, Graham Furniss, Elizabeth Gunner, Karin Barber, Isobel Hofmeyr, John Foley, Olayibi Yai, Edgard Sienaert, Brian Street, Noverino Canonici, Mark Turin, Daniela Merolla, Jan Jansen, Jeff Opland, and many others; some younger, some older, some living, some departed, scholars influenced by this great and humble intellectual and her body of work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Folk literature -- Study and teaching -- Africa , Oral tradition -- Africa , Folklore and education -- Africa , Books -- Africa -- Reviews
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59355 , vital:27563 , https://doi.org/10.1080/13696815.2012.756804
- Description: I have in my possession a first edition, hard copy of Ruth Finnegan’s quintessential work, Oral Literature in Africa. It has a yellow cover, preserved by a plastic sheathe, it is a little frayed around the edges and has that old, musty library smell about it. I love and treasure this book. It is dedicated by Professor Finnegan ‘[t]o all my teachers’. Professor Finnegan is indeed one of my teachers. I properly met Ruth Finnegan at the second International Society for Oral Literature (ISOLA) conference in 1998, which I hosted at the University of Cape Town. She gave a keynote address which included reference to her seminal work and the future of oral literary studies. She has continually influenced our work as researchers following in her footsteps: Isidore Okpewho, Harold Scheub, Abiola Irele, Graham Furniss, Elizabeth Gunner, Karin Barber, Isobel Hofmeyr, John Foley, Olayibi Yai, Edgard Sienaert, Brian Street, Noverino Canonici, Mark Turin, Daniela Merolla, Jan Jansen, Jeff Opland, and many others; some younger, some older, some living, some departed, scholars influenced by this great and humble intellectual and her body of work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The amaXhosa ukuthwala marriage custom in fact and fiction: a contemporary critique
- Kaschula, Russell H, Huisamen, Tim, Mostert, André M, Nosilela, Bulelwa
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Huisamen, Tim , Mostert, André M , Nosilela, Bulelwa
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68344 , vital:29241 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02572117.2013.871454
- Description: publisher version , Ukuthwala is traditionally a marriage custom within the amaXhosa culture in South Africa which permits a ‘legal abduction’ of a bride-to-be. Similar customs of ‘bridal abduction’ exist, most notably in Kyrgyzstan, where it is known as ala kachuu. Research into these customs necessitates a more innovative approach to explore the impact of this social phenomenon. In this article the authors mobilise a fictional narrative to offer a backdrop for a comparative assessment of the impact of bridal ‘legal abduction’ and assess its contemporary status and role within a multicultural society which celebrates the rights of the individual while recognising the value and importance of maintaining cultural identity and traditions. Cultural dissonance has always been characteristic of modern and post-modern societies as they strive for a workable shared ethos. However, when customs such as ‘legal abduction’ (Mtuze, 1993:50) continue under the veil of cultural rights, the wider social sensibilities and perspectives can be at odds with the maintenance of such activities where these activities contradict the rights of the individual as enshrined for example in what can be seen as a liberal South African Constitution.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Huisamen, Tim , Mostert, André M , Nosilela, Bulelwa
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68344 , vital:29241 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02572117.2013.871454
- Description: publisher version , Ukuthwala is traditionally a marriage custom within the amaXhosa culture in South Africa which permits a ‘legal abduction’ of a bride-to-be. Similar customs of ‘bridal abduction’ exist, most notably in Kyrgyzstan, where it is known as ala kachuu. Research into these customs necessitates a more innovative approach to explore the impact of this social phenomenon. In this article the authors mobilise a fictional narrative to offer a backdrop for a comparative assessment of the impact of bridal ‘legal abduction’ and assess its contemporary status and role within a multicultural society which celebrates the rights of the individual while recognising the value and importance of maintaining cultural identity and traditions. Cultural dissonance has always been characteristic of modern and post-modern societies as they strive for a workable shared ethos. However, when customs such as ‘legal abduction’ (Mtuze, 1993:50) continue under the veil of cultural rights, the wider social sensibilities and perspectives can be at odds with the maintenance of such activities where these activities contradict the rights of the individual as enshrined for example in what can be seen as a liberal South African Constitution.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2013