HED4807
Assignment 5 PORTFOLIO 2024
Unique #:
Due Date: 13 January 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
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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
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