Week 3: Should South African languages be introduced as mediums of instruction in SA schools? 

 

 

UHM. Yes.

 

But it's not that simple, is it? No. Life's not simple, and neither is this.

 

There are 11 official languages in South Africa, yet hardly any of them are used as mediums of instruction in schools.

 

I find that quite odd.

 

English is a widely spoken language - one that is spoken all around the world. Therefore, it is no surprise that it is a popular medium of instruction.

 

But you'd think that with South Africa having so many non-mother tongue speakers of English, that they'd have made provision for them, too.

 

 

I am aware of two arguments regarding this topic.

 

The first argument is that learners should be taught in their mother tongue and that they can then pick up English at a later stage.

 

Obviously, this has merit. Students who are taught in their mother tongue have an advantage as that is usually also their L1, and thus, the language that they think in. But, once again, it's not that simple.

 

 

 

There is a massive shortage of textbooks in other official languages, not to mention teachers. There is a scarcity of teachers who are sufficiently trained and who are fluent enough to teach in other African languages.

 

The second argument is that learners should be taught in English from the start.

 

This makes sense as many people believe English to be superior to other African languages, and associate the language with success. They are not entirely wrong, with regards to associating it with success.

 

When applying for a job, the applicant who is extremely fluent in English will most likely be chosen over the applicant who is extremely fluent in another language.

 

One of the major issues with the second argument is that non-mother tongue speakers of English spend more time learning the language itself than the actual schoolwork. They have to learn how to read AND write in English; something that even mother tongue speakers of English struggle with.

 

 

 

 

Also, if South African languages were introduced, would they ALL be chosen as mediums of instruction? I think not.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I can already imagine...