AFL1501 January/February Supplementary Exam Memo | Due
January/February 2026 | Language Through an African Lens
(UNISA)
,Question 1:
What role does proverbs play in African languages?
• A) They are often ignored in everyday conversation.
• B) They serve as tools for moral education and cultural identity.
• C) They are only used in literary texts.
• D) They have no significant role in communication.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Proverbs are vital in African cultures, serving as tools for moral education,
cultural preservation, and social norms. They encapsulate wisdom and often reflect the
values of the community.
Question 2:
Which of the following languages is considered a lingua franca in many parts of Africa?
• A) French
• B) Latin
• C) Arabic
• D) Swahili
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Swahili serves as a lingua franca in East Africa, facilitating communication
across diverse linguistic groups and promoting unity.
Question 3:
How does code-switching function in African multilingual settings?
• A) It is discouraged and often frowned upon.
• B) It is used to indicate social status or group identity.
• C) It confuses communication and should be avoided.
• D) It has no relevance in modern African societies.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Code-switching is a common practice in multilingual African contexts,
allowing speakers to indicate social status, group affiliation, and adapt to different
cultural norms.
, Question 4:
What is the significance of oral traditions in African languages?
• A) They are outdated and irrelevant.
• B) They promote written literature.
• C) They preserve history, culture, and knowledge.
• D) They are only used in formal settings.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Oral traditions are essential for preserving history, culture, and knowledge
within African societies, serving as a means of education and community bonding.
Question 1:
What role does proverbs play in African languages?
• A) They are often ignored in everyday conversation.
• B) They serve as tools for moral education and cultural identity.
• C) They are only used in literary texts.
• D) They have no significant role in communication.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Proverbs are vital in African cultures, serving as tools for moral education,
cultural preservation, and social norms. They encapsulate wisdom and often reflect the
values of the community.
Question 2:
Which of the following languages is considered a lingua franca in many parts of Africa?
• A) French
• B) Latin
• C) Arabic
• D) Swahili
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Swahili serves as a lingua franca in East Africa, facilitating communication
across diverse linguistic groups and promoting unity.
Question 3:
How does code-switching function in African multilingual settings?
January/February 2026 | Language Through an African Lens
(UNISA)
,Question 1:
What role does proverbs play in African languages?
• A) They are often ignored in everyday conversation.
• B) They serve as tools for moral education and cultural identity.
• C) They are only used in literary texts.
• D) They have no significant role in communication.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Proverbs are vital in African cultures, serving as tools for moral education,
cultural preservation, and social norms. They encapsulate wisdom and often reflect the
values of the community.
Question 2:
Which of the following languages is considered a lingua franca in many parts of Africa?
• A) French
• B) Latin
• C) Arabic
• D) Swahili
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Swahili serves as a lingua franca in East Africa, facilitating communication
across diverse linguistic groups and promoting unity.
Question 3:
How does code-switching function in African multilingual settings?
• A) It is discouraged and often frowned upon.
• B) It is used to indicate social status or group identity.
• C) It confuses communication and should be avoided.
• D) It has no relevance in modern African societies.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Code-switching is a common practice in multilingual African contexts,
allowing speakers to indicate social status, group affiliation, and adapt to different
cultural norms.
, Question 4:
What is the significance of oral traditions in African languages?
• A) They are outdated and irrelevant.
• B) They promote written literature.
• C) They preserve history, culture, and knowledge.
• D) They are only used in formal settings.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Oral traditions are essential for preserving history, culture, and knowledge
within African societies, serving as a means of education and community bonding.
Question 1:
What role does proverbs play in African languages?
• A) They are often ignored in everyday conversation.
• B) They serve as tools for moral education and cultural identity.
• C) They are only used in literary texts.
• D) They have no significant role in communication.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Proverbs are vital in African cultures, serving as tools for moral education,
cultural preservation, and social norms. They encapsulate wisdom and often reflect the
values of the community.
Question 2:
Which of the following languages is considered a lingua franca in many parts of Africa?
• A) French
• B) Latin
• C) Arabic
• D) Swahili
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Swahili serves as a lingua franca in East Africa, facilitating communication
across diverse linguistic groups and promoting unity.
Question 3:
How does code-switching function in African multilingual settings?
