SU Language Policy
The purpose of the language policy is to regulate, manage and govern language use in all aspects of the institution.
SU Language Policy (2021)
The SU Council approved the SU Language Policy (2021) for implementation from January 2022. The Policy is subject to a review process in 2026.
The three foundational principles of the SU Language Policy (2021) are that (1) multilingualism is a resource, (2) language should broaden access and enhance success, and (3) the Policy and its implementation should facilitate pedagogically sound learning and teaching.
SU embraces multilingualism as an intentional strategy with specific institutional objectives and practices, in compliance with the Department of Higher Education and Training’s national mandate to all South African higher education institutions.
Multilingualism
Multilingualism is about more than an individual’s willingness to learn and use multiple languages. It extends beyond creating spaces and structures for the use of multiple languages in academic, administrative and social contexts. The Language Policy also focuses on promoting inclusivity and an appreciation of the value of diversity. Therefore, multilingualism is also an attitude that facilitates a transformative student experience and, ultimately, a more rounded graduate.
Multilingualism equips students and staff to:
Individual multilingualism
Also called ‘plurilingualism’, this is the ability to use all the languages that you know (your linguistic repertoire) in different settings.
Institutional multilingualism
This is a type of societal multilingualism (where communities of speakers of different languages co-exist), as reflected in the activities and policies of an organisation or institution.
Multilingual mindset
A multilingual mindset refers to a willingness to align yourself with the idea that multilingualism is important and beneficial for promoting inclusivity and diversity, and intentionally creating spaces for individual and institutional multilingualism.
Co-responsibility
The SU Language Centre, faculties, language departments, professional administrative support services, governance and management bodies as well as students are all co-responsible for the advancement of individual and institutional multilingualism at the University.
How to lodge a complaint regarding the implementation of the SU Language Policy
If the matter relates to implementation by a faculty, complaints are lodged in accordance with the relevant faculty’s appeals/complaints procedure. In the absence of such a procedure, complaints are lodged with (in order of preference): the staff member concerned, the departmental chairperson or head of the school, or the dean. If the complaints are not resolved satisfactorily at faculty level and the complaints are related to academic contexts, students can refer the complaints to the Academic Planning Committee (APC) via the Student Academic Affairs Council (AAC). If the matter is not resolved at the APC, the APC refers it to Senate, along with a recommendation.
Complaints that relate to implementation by a support service environment are lodged with the relevant line manager function. or, where the broader University is concerned, with the Rectorate via the Students’ Representative Council ‘s executive committee.
Regarding implementation in student living environments, complaints are lodged with the house committee or residential head. Complaints that are not satisfactorily resolved at that level are referred to the Dean of Students.
Should the complaint procedures above prove unsuitable, complaints may be submitted to the SU Ombud, who will resolve the matter in consultation with the relevant SU environments.