,You are teaching Grade 10 Physical Sciences at a
township school in Soweto. Your class of 45 learners
includes: • 20 learners who speak isiZulu as their
home language. • 15 learners who are Sesotho
speakers. • 5 learners who speak Xitsonga. • 5
learners who are immigrants from Zimbabwe and
speak Shona at home. The school's language of
instruction is English, but most learners use their
home languages in daily communication. You notice
that: • Learners struggle to understand scientific
terminology in English. • Some learners are hesitant
to participate in class discussions. • Written
assignments show understanding of concepts but
poor English expression. • Group work tends to
divide along language lines. • Parents' meetings are
challenging due to language barriers. Assessment
,Task: 1. Analyse the language barriers affecting
learning in this multicultural context. 2. Apply
relevant psychological theories to explain the impact
on learning. 3. Develop practical strategies that
utilize multilingualism as a resource. 4. Consider how
to involve parents despite language barriers.
1. Analysis of Language Barriers Affecting Learning
1. Understanding Scientific Terminology
Learners struggle with scientific terminology because it is
often abstract and technical, making comprehension in a
second language (English) even harder. The lack of
equivalent terms in their home languages exacerbates this
challenge.
2. Hesitation in Participation
Many learners are reluctant to speak in class discussions
due to a fear of making grammatical errors or being judged,
which stems from low confidence in English proficiency.
3. Poor English Expression in Written Work
Learners may understand the concepts but struggle to
express their thoughts in English due to limited vocabulary
and sentence construction skills.
4. Group Division by Language
Learners form groups based on shared home languages for
comfort and ease of communication. While this helps
understanding within groups, it reduces cross-cultural
interactions and English language practice.
, 5. Parent-Teacher Communication
Language barriers hinder meaningful engagement with
parents who may not be proficient in English, reducing
their involvement in their children’s education.
2. Psychological Theories to Explain Impact
1. Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory
Learning is a social process, and language is a critical tool
for cognitive development. Learners' difficulties with
English hinder their ability to fully engage in the
classroom's social learning environment.
2. Cummins’ Dual Iceberg Theory
Learners may have strong cognitive and academic language
proficiency (CALP) in their home languages but lack the
same proficiency in English, affecting their academic
performance.
3. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
The lack of confidence and belonging due to language
struggles affects learners’ self-esteem and motivation,
hindering their ability to reach their full academic potential.
3. Practical Strategies Using Multilingualism as a Resource
1. Integrate Multilingual Glossaries
Create multilingual glossaries for scientific terms in
isiZulu, Sesotho, Xitsonga, and Shona alongside English.
This helps learners connect their home languages with
academic content.
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