,HED4807 Assignment 5 PORTFOLIO (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) 2024 - DUE 13 January 2025; 100%
TRUSTED Complete, trusted solutions and
explanations.
QUESTON 1: LANGUAGE EDUCATION POLICIES (15) 1.1 Provide
your own interpretation of how the LiEP has influenced
language learning and teaching, and whether it has promoted
multilingualism. (5) 1.2 What is your recommendation on how
the language of teaching and learning (LoLT) should be chosen.
Substantiate your view referring to first and additional language
theories and policy documents. (10)
1.1 Influence of the LiEP on Language Learning and Teaching,
and Its Promotion of Multilingualism (5)
The Language in Education Policy (LiEP) was introduced to
promote additive multilingualism in South Africa, aiming to
recognize and use the country's linguistic diversity as a resource
for learning. It emphasizes that learners should be taught in
their home languages during the foundational years while
progressively acquiring additional languages. This approach
aligns with research indicating that proficiency in a first
language provides a strong foundation for acquiring additional
languages.
Key Points:
Promotion of Multilingualism: LiEP encourages schools to
adopt a multilingual approach, aiming to foster proficiency
, in multiple languages. However, implementation
challenges, such as insufficient teacher training and
resources, often hinder its effectiveness.
Equity in Language Learning: The policy aims to reduce
the historical dominance of English and Afrikaans, giving
indigenous African languages a more prominent role in
education. This shift promotes cultural inclusivity and
linguistic equity.
Impact on Learning: Where implemented effectively,
learners develop cognitive and linguistic skills in both their
first and additional languages. However, in many schools,
English remains the dominant language of learning and
teaching (LoLT), limiting the policy’s intended impact.
1.2 Recommendations for Choosing the Language of Teaching
and Learning (LoLT) (10)
The choice of LoLT should prioritize learner comprehension,
cognitive development, and access to equitable learning
opportunities. My recommendation is a bilingual or
multilingual model that starts with the home language as the
primary LoLT in the foundation phase, transitioning to an
additional language (e.g., English) in later phases.
Substantiation:
1. Theories Supporting Home Language Education:
, o Cummins’ Theory of Language Interdependence:
Proficiency in a first language (L1) supports the
acquisition of a second language (L2). Developing
literacy in L1 lays a cognitive foundation for academic
success in L2.
o Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory: Language is a tool
for thought and learning, and children learn best
when they can interact in their home language.
2. Policy Documents Supporting Multilingualism:
o Constitution of South Africa (1996): Promotes the
development of all official languages and emphasizes
the importance of indigenous languages in education.
o LiEP (1997): Advocates for the use of home languages
in education while encouraging the acquisition of
additional languages.
o UNESCO's Position on Multilingual Education:
Recommends mother-tongue instruction during the
early years to ensure effective learning.
3. Implementation of LoLT:
o Foundation Phase: Begin with the home language to
ensure comprehension and cognitive development.
This approach aligns with the LiEP and linguistic
theories supporting mother-tongue instruction.