Multilingualism at SU
Creating a multilingual mindset
At Stellenbosch University, we encourage students to develop a multilingual mindset when communicating with one another. This helps create a more inclusive campus where different cultures, languages, and ways of doing things are respected and celebrated.
It is about giving people a voice, regardless of the language(s) they use. It is about recognising the value of what is said, no matter what language is used, and whether it is said in English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, or South African Sign Language. It talks to our diversity as a country – and allows us to connect in ways we otherwise could not. Multilingualism is therefore also an attitude.
We want to encourage you to practise a multilingual mindset throughout your time at Maties. Using language as a ‘way in’ to acknowledging others will stand you in good stead in your personal and professional lives in future, especially if you work in diverse teams and want to take more than just your own thinking into account when you make decisions. You can help us work towards making multilingualism a reality in all our environments – whether it’s an official event like Welcoming or everyday meetings, we encourage you to use Afrikaans, English, and isiXhosa where possible.
In the lecture hall, it’s a team effort. Lecturers, assistants, interpreters, and you share the responsibility for multilingualism. We help each other grasp academic content because, hey, we’re all in this together. So, get ready to join a campus community where we are working hard to grow a multilingual mindset amongst our entire community.
What you can expect
If you’re wondering what the impact of the Language Policy will be on your academic life and language use in social spaces, here’s a summary of what you may experience.
How the SU Language Policy is applied daily
Stellenbosch University (SU) is a multilingual university. This means that we respect the languages and the language varieties used by students and staff. We also acknowledge the different ways in which people like to use language, as well as the fact that the levels at which we speak different languages differ. Our Language Policy is like the GPS guiding our diverse campuses. It ensures fair access, celebrates multilingualism and supports effective learning and teaching. SU is not just about us – we’re part of regional, national, continental, and global communities. We therefore aim to create spaces and produce materials as far as possible in Afrikaans, English, and isiXhosa, the official languages of the Western Cape.
We are however aware that the student body is far more diverse than that. We have students from all over the country, the rest of Africa, and the world and we celebrate those languages and language identities too. As an institution, we have chosen to commit to Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa and we try to accommodate others as far as possible.
In December 2021, the SU Council (that’s the structure responsible for things like good governance and policymaking) approved a new Language Policy after an extensive consultative process. The purpose of our Language Policy is to regulate, manage, and govern language use throughout our institution. It is revised every five years.
The three foundational principles of the policy are based on our belief that:
multilingualism is a resource;
language should broaden access and enhance success; and
the policy and its implementation should facilitate sound teaching and learning.
Language Policy 2021 in a nutshell
Undergraduate teaching and learning
Academic modules are offered in one of the following language options:
Separate lectures in Afrikaans and English: Lectures are either in English or Afrikaans, but group work, practical sessions and tutorials combine students from various language groups. One- on-one consultations with lecturers can be in Afrikaans and English, provided that the lecturer is proficient in both languages.
Both Afrikaans and English are used in the same lecture: Everything is explained in English, and there are Afrikaans summaries. As a first-year, you can use on-site or online interpreting with this option. The language the lecturer uses to answer your question depends on their proficiency in the language you ask your question.
One language only: Lectures can be in English or one of the other two languages, if the lecturer and all students in the group are proficient in the language being used. Simultaneous interpreting in Afrikaans, English, or isiXhosa may be offered online or on-site. Consultations and tutorials are conducted in Afrikaans and English if the lecturer is proficient in both languages.
Learning material
All prescribed reading material is available in English.
Prescribed reading material (excluding published material) is available in Afrikaans where reasonably practicable**.
Module frameworks and study guides are available in Afrikaans and English.
Where reasonably practicable** and where a need exists, isiXhosa and other languages may be used to reinforce key concepts.
Assessment and questions papers
Assessments and question papers are made available in Afrikaans and English, and students may complete these in either English or Afrikaans.
**The Language Policy implementation is informed by what is reasonably practicable. This means that each situation will be considered on its merit and factors such as the number of students that will benefit from an arrangement; the language proficiency of staff and students; and the University’s resources, timetable, and venue constraints. Other determining factors include the composition of each class group that also changes from year to year, or even from one semester to another, and unexpected staff changes.
Language use in student communities
In student communities, such as residences and commuter student communities, language must be used to ensure that everyone is included and can participate. During the annual Welcoming period, you should understand all the information shared to help you settle into campus life. The multilingual mindset of respect and tolerance for multiple cultures and languages is particularly important in these spaces. That’s why student communities are also required to submit language implementation plans and report on their compliance and good practices throughout the year.
Language support through the Language Centre
We want you to succeed and language should never be a barrier to doing so. SU’s Language Centre is there to ensure that you access a variety of language support services right here on campus. These services include academic reading and writing development; language services that include translation, interpreting and editing; and research on language and language use. The centre also offers modules in professional communication, academic literacies, and language acquisition for Afrikaans, English, isiXhosa, and South African Sign Language.
Reporting language complaints
SU’s Language Policy 2021 aims to create an inclusive and diverse academic community, reflecting our diverse South African heritage.
In student communities, non-compliance with the Language Policy 2021 can be reported to the house committee, residence head or commuter student communities coordinators. If the matter cannot be resolved at the residence or commuter student community level, it can be referred to the Director: Centre for Student Life and Learning, Mr Pieter Klopper ([email protected]) or escalated to the Acting Dean of Students, Dr Leslie Van Rooi ([email protected]).
For non-compliance in the academic environment, follow your faculty’s complaints procedure. Report the complaint to a class representative or lecturer, then escalate to the departmental head, and if needed to the Vice Dean or Dean. If these channels are not suitable, submit your complaint to the SU Ombud at [email protected] or contact 082 807 2994 to resolve in consultation with relevant structures.