VUT reviews its Language Policy

VUT is in the process of reviewing its current Language Policy. This process necessitated that a debate be held, namely the Language Colloquium. Present at this colloquium were experts in the aforementioned subject whose aim it was to ensure that VUT will be on the right track and that a relevant Language Policy will be put in place for the VUT community. The Language Colloquium was held at Riverside Lifestyle Resort on 29 September 2011.

The aim of the Colloquium was to obtain external input and best practice from experts in the field of language policies in Higher Education. The event was graced by the presence of the keynote speaker Prof L de Stadler: Director-Language Centre, Stellenbosch University and by the panel members Dr P Maseko: Senior Lecturer-African Language Studies, Rhodes University; Ms R Segale: Provincial Manager-Pan SALB Gauteng; Dr M Monareng: HoD-Language Unit, University of Johannesburg and Mr K Mngadi: Lecturer- Durban University of Technology. Also present at the event were Prof S Coetzee-Van Rooy: Director-Research Development, North West University (Programme Director); Prof I Moutlana: VUT Vice-Chancellor; Prof A Louw: Deputy Vice-Chancellor-Academic & Research; Prof G Zide: Deputy Vice-Chancellor-Governance & Operations; VUT directorate members and staff.

Prof de Stadler addressed the attendees on the subject ‘Facing challenges in language planning in Higher Education.’ “Language planning is not about languages, it is about the people who speak the languages” said Prof de Stadler.  He emphasized that society cannot change if multilingualism is not promoted at universities. He presented a suggested checklist to be utilized in the development of the Language Policy which includes, but which is not limited to: considering imperatives we have to transform society, multilingualism issue, considering our own institution, attitude of all stakeholders, plan for commitment, etc.

Issues that were raised at the event included: the promotion of indigenous languages, language in Education Policy, communication channels and external communication. In a nut-shell, the representatives from other institutions shared similar experiences which include resistance to change, students not understanding the value of African Languages, no commitment and support from management, no parental involvement, etc. It was advised that what is vital is not just the policy document to be in place, but rather a shift of people’s mindset and attitudes, more branding, programmes in the curriculum that promote indigenous languages, the promotion of indigenous languages in all official ceremonies that the institution hosts, collaboration with local schools, etc. “Branding is not English, it is just branding and if you are not imaginative you will see this as a challenge” said Dr Monareng.

A multilingual character cannot be ignored as multilingualism unlocks potential. “Classroom language use must support the academic and language development of all students through careful analysis and control of our implicit theories regarding the language of teaching and learning. Official languages of our country are deemed to be the transport mechanism toward social and economic opportunities, access to government and democracy and the promotion of vibrant society marked by multiculturalism of indigenous languages. Language, like culture, is community specific … establishes and maintains identity and brings solidarity” concluded the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Moutlana.

Prof I Moutlana requested the review of VUT’s Language Policy and a small task team was appointed. The process included extensive research, nationally and internationally on language practices and extensive benchmarking against VUT peers in South Africa.

Two questionnaires were distributed to all staff at the VUT to establish whether current language policy is adequate and what should be included in a language policy. The next step will be to draft a proposal, which will be debated by all internal VUT stakeholders in November 2011. Only then will a language policy be drafted and tabled at Senate in February 2012.

“A language policy should give direction in terms of language of instruction, research and communication” said Norma Roberts, task team member.

 This is the panel that presided over the question and answer session