Languages Resources
Description
Language is central to our lives. We communicate and understand our world through language. Language thus shapes our identity and knowledge. It is through language that cultural diversity and social relations are expressed and constructed. Language proficiency is central to learning across the curriculum as learning takes place through language
Why is it an important subject?
In view of the linguistic and cultural diversity of South Africa, its citizens must be able to communicate across language barriers and foster cultural and linguistic respect and understanding.
The study of Languages serves a variety of purposes: including the following objectives:
§ Broaden and deepen language competencies.
§ Use language appropriately in real-life contexts.
§ Develop independent analytical thinkers.
§ Use language and imagination to represent and explore human experience.
§ Use language to access and manage information (Information literacy).
§ Use language as a tool for critical and creative thinking.
§ Express reasoned opinions on ethical issues and values.
§ Interact critically with a wide range of texts.
§ Recognise the unequal status of different languages and language varieties.
What does it consist of?
§ Inclusivity: Teaching and assessment of languages should make provision for the inclusion of all learners, and strategies should be found to assist all learners to access or produce language texts.
§ Language levels: All languages can be offered at the following levels:
- Home Language: The learners’ home language needs to be strengthened and developed so as to provide a sound foundation for learning additional languages.
- First Additional Language: Learning a first additional language promotes multilingualism and intercultural communication. We offer Afrikaans as a First Additional Language.
How will this subject help a learner to get into the world of work or further studies?
Language is a gateway subject. The study of languages can lead to language-oriented careers such as journalism, translation, language teaching, marketing, advertising, diplomacy
Language is the basis of all learning, not only in everyday life but also in the workplace. In the highly competitive technological world, access for the learner is determined by communicative competency.
