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UCT launches new language policy to boost multilingualismThe University of Cape Town (UCT) has officially launched its new UCT Language Policy. ![]() Source: Pexels The revised UCT language policy promotes multilingualism – with English, IsiXhosa and Afrikaans as the official languages of the university. In addition, the policy identifies Afrikaaps (Kaaps), South African Sign Language (SASL) and Khoekhoegowab and N|uu as languages for development by UCT. UCT vice-chancellor professor Mosa Moshabela said the approved revised language policy was in line with a commitment to multilingualism, inclusivity and transformation. “This policy will help us embrace both the extraordinary diversity within our community and an environment where language is valued as a resource for learning, research and communication,” he said. The revised policy emphasises promoting marginalised South African indigenous languages in teaching, learning, research and communication. “This includes supporting isiXhosa as a language of instruction, alongside English, and encouraging students and staff to incorporate multilingual approaches into their academic work,” said professor Moshabela. The core provisions of the policy are:
Faculties as well as Professional, Administrative Support and Service (Pass) departments will develop language implementation plans tailored to their needs. These will need to be approved by Senate and reviewed every five years. Professor Moshabela said the successful implementation of the policy would need support from all members of the UCT community. |