EFAF200-DL-SG-E1: South African Language Context and Policy

Flashcards covering the South African language context, the role of English, the mother tongue debate, and language education policy based on the EFAF200 study guide.

What are the three specific learning outcomes for Study Session 1 of the EFAF200 module?

1. Debate issues surrounding mother tongue education in South Africa with reference to the classroom. 2. Discuss the role and status of English in South Africa. 3. Explain, with reference to CAPS, how language works across the curriculum.

According to the transcript, what are common synonyms used for 'home language' and 'additional language'?

Home language is synonyms with 'first language' ($L1$) or 'mother tongue', while additional language is synonymous with 'second language' ($L2$) or 'foreign language'.

Name the eleven official languages of South Africa as defined by the Constitution.

Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, and English.

How did the English language originally arrive and take root in South Africa?

It was introduced by British colonisers in the late $1700s$, followed by approximately $5000$ British settlers in the Eastern Cape in $1820$, and more settlers in Natal during the $1840-50s$.

In terms of practice versus theory, how does the status of English compare to other official languages in South Africa?

While all eleven languages have equal status in theory, in practice English enjoys a dominant position in society, business, and official environments, often being the first language for paperwork and public communication.

What percentage of South Africans speak English as their home language?

Approximately $9\%$.

What is the definition of a 'lingua franca'?

A common language used for communication between people of different mother tongues.

Why is English referred to as 'the language of national unity' in the South African historical context?

It was the agreed-upon common language used by people from various backgrounds during the struggle for liberation to communicate and unify with one another.

What are the four reasons for the popularity and dominance of English in South Africa provided by Horne and Heineman?

1. It is the most widely-used additional language. 2. It facilitated communication during the liberation struggle. 3. It is the language of national unity. 4. It is the only official South African language spoken outside its borders, serving diplomacy and international business.

Which term describes the belief that some languages are superior to others without scientific testing?

Perception.

How has the English language grown according to Horne and Heineman?

It has grown in its number of words (adaptability and expression) and spread geographically as a world language.

What are the two most likely scenarios for language instruction in South African schools?

1. Instruction in English from Grade 1 ('straight-for-English'). 2. Instruction in mother-tongue for Grades 1 to 3, transitioning to English in Grade 4 ('mother-tongue schools').

Define 'additive bilingualism' as it relates to language policy.

An approach where a speaker learns a second language while retaining their first language (adding a language rather than replacing one).

Define 'subtractive bilingualism'.

An approach where a speaker learns an additional language at the expense of their mother tongue, resulting in the L2 replacing the L1.

What is the primary argument against the 'straight-to-English' approach for children whose home language is not English?

It is a subtractive approach that can lead to cultural alienation and a 'cognitive deficit' if learning in an additional language occurs too soon.

What does BICS stand for and what is its estimated acquisition timeframe?

Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills; it takes approximately $2$ years for a learner to become competent in everyday social communication.

What does CALP stand for and what is its estimated acquisition timeframe?

Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency; it takes approximately $5$ to $7$ years to acquire because it involves abstract, higher-order cognitive use required for academic study.

According to Moodley (2013), what is South Africa's global position in terms of the number of languages spoken?

South Africa is in $62nd$ position globally, with $29$ indigenous languages and $16$ immigrant languages.

List three main aims of the Ministry of Education's 1997 Language in Education Policy.

1. To establish additive bilingualism as the approach to language in education. 2. To promote and develop all official languages. 3. To promote full participation in society through equitable access to education.