HED4807
Assignment 5 PORTFOLIO 2024
Unique Number:
Due Date: 13 January 2025
QUESTON 1: LANGUAGE EDUCATION POLICIES
1.1 Influence of the Language in Education Policy (LiEP) on Language Learning and
Multilingualism
The Language in Education Policy (LiEP) in South Africa emphasizes promoting
multilingualism, equitable language use, and respect for linguistic diversity. It has positively
influenced language learning by advocating for mother-tongue education in the early years
of schooling, ensuring learners grasp foundational concepts in a language they understand
best. However, its implementation has faced challenges due to systemic issues, such as
inadequate teacher training and insufficient learning materials in indigenous languages. As
a result, while LiEP has laid the groundwork for multilingualism, its practical application has
been limited in many schools. English and Afrikaans often dominate as languages of
learning and teaching (LoLT), sidelining other indigenous languages. Despite these
barriers, the policy has sparked awareness and discussions on the importance of linguistic
inclusivity, encouraging efforts to bridge the gap between policy and practice.
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QUESTON 1: LANGUAGE EDUCATION POLICIES
1.1 Influence of the Language in Education Policy (LiEP) on Language
Learning and Multilingualism
The Language in Education Policy (LiEP) in South Africa emphasizes promoting
multilingualism, equitable language use, and respect for linguistic diversity. It has
positively influenced language learning by advocating for mother-tongue education in
the early years of schooling, ensuring learners grasp foundational concepts in a
language they understand best. However, its implementation has faced challenges
due to systemic issues, such as inadequate teacher training and insufficient learning
materials in indigenous languages. As a result, while LiEP has laid the groundwork
for multilingualism, its practical application has been limited in many schools. English
and Afrikaans often dominate as languages of learning and teaching (LoLT),
sidelining other indigenous languages. Despite these barriers, the policy has sparked
awareness and discussions on the importance of linguistic inclusivity, encouraging
efforts to bridge the gap between policy and practice.
1.2 Recommendation for Choosing the Language of Teaching and Learning
(LoLT)
The choice of the Language of Teaching and Learning (LoLT) should be guided by
educational policies, linguistic theories, and the sociolinguistic realities of the
learners. In a multilingual country like South Africa, this decision is crucial for
promoting both equitable access to education and improved academic outcomes.
Based on first and additional language theories and policy documents like the South
African Constitution (1996), the National Curriculum Statement (NCS), and the
Language in Education Policy (LiEP, 1997), I recommend a bilingual or additive
bilingual approach where learners are taught in their home language during the
foundational years, while gradually introducing an additional language (English) as
the LoLT in later grades.
Theoretical Basis
