AFL1501 – Language Through an African Lens
2019 – Semester 1 – Assignment 4
1. For this assignment, we ask you to find a photo about a cultural ceremony or social
gathering which impacts on your daily existence in terms of how you use language -
please take into account sensitive viewers and do not use images which might be
offensive to other people, e.g. killing of an animal, explicit nudity, etc. Examples could be
weddings, funerals, dances, birthday party, special church service, sports events, initiation
or coming of ceremony. Note that you do not get any marks for the quality of the photo -
marks are given in terms of the discussion of the ceremony as a reflection of who you are.
The required length of the assignment is about four to five (4-5) pages. Such pages should
mainly consist of text. You can use your cell phone or camera to take a photo of some
aspect of the ceremony or gathering. It is difficult to upload large files, so you won't be
able to upload many photos.
2. Write a document and insert the graphics where you explain the cultural ceremony or
social gathering in terms of how it impacts on your language usage. Make sure that you
explain specific terms used to identify the specific aspects of the ceremony or gathering,
e.g. the term 'marriage' means different things in different cultures for different people.
3. Then you must discuss what is happening in the photo and how it reflects something
important in your culture or social group.
4. What did you learn from this in terms of yourself (who you are) and your culture or social
group?
5. Keep in mind that the assignment should be of a high academic standard. Your personal
views should be presented against the background of your language, attitude and
worldview.
6. State clearly which culture you are from by referring to it, e.g. Zulu, Indian, Sotho, etc.
7. Should you discuss a ceremony which you have not personally attended, it is essential to
quote the sources from which you have acquired the content.
8. It adds value to your assignment if you present your personal reflections on the ceremony
even if you have not attended it yourself.
9. A conclusion is essential. This conclusion should put the ceremony into perspective in
terms of the bigger South African cultural landscape. In your conclusion you need to
answer the following questions:
a) What activates cultural/traditional/social grouping?
b) Why do we have these gatherings?
c) What is the relationship between language, tradition/culture or social grouping?
d) What is the impact of digital media (mobile phones, computers, internet, etc) on
cultural/traditional or social practices?
e) Does culture/tradition or special grouping evolve over time? Give examples
relating to categories listed below:
50 years ago Today
Which languages did/do your
family speak?
How many of your family
members were/are furthering
their education after Grade
12?
Page 1 of 5
2019 – Semester 1 – Assignment 4
1. For this assignment, we ask you to find a photo about a cultural ceremony or social
gathering which impacts on your daily existence in terms of how you use language -
please take into account sensitive viewers and do not use images which might be
offensive to other people, e.g. killing of an animal, explicit nudity, etc. Examples could be
weddings, funerals, dances, birthday party, special church service, sports events, initiation
or coming of ceremony. Note that you do not get any marks for the quality of the photo -
marks are given in terms of the discussion of the ceremony as a reflection of who you are.
The required length of the assignment is about four to five (4-5) pages. Such pages should
mainly consist of text. You can use your cell phone or camera to take a photo of some
aspect of the ceremony or gathering. It is difficult to upload large files, so you won't be
able to upload many photos.
2. Write a document and insert the graphics where you explain the cultural ceremony or
social gathering in terms of how it impacts on your language usage. Make sure that you
explain specific terms used to identify the specific aspects of the ceremony or gathering,
e.g. the term 'marriage' means different things in different cultures for different people.
3. Then you must discuss what is happening in the photo and how it reflects something
important in your culture or social group.
4. What did you learn from this in terms of yourself (who you are) and your culture or social
group?
5. Keep in mind that the assignment should be of a high academic standard. Your personal
views should be presented against the background of your language, attitude and
worldview.
6. State clearly which culture you are from by referring to it, e.g. Zulu, Indian, Sotho, etc.
7. Should you discuss a ceremony which you have not personally attended, it is essential to
quote the sources from which you have acquired the content.
8. It adds value to your assignment if you present your personal reflections on the ceremony
even if you have not attended it yourself.
9. A conclusion is essential. This conclusion should put the ceremony into perspective in
terms of the bigger South African cultural landscape. In your conclusion you need to
answer the following questions:
a) What activates cultural/traditional/social grouping?
b) Why do we have these gatherings?
c) What is the relationship between language, tradition/culture or social grouping?
d) What is the impact of digital media (mobile phones, computers, internet, etc) on
cultural/traditional or social practices?
e) Does culture/tradition or special grouping evolve over time? Give examples
relating to categories listed below:
50 years ago Today
Which languages did/do your
family speak?
How many of your family
members were/are furthering
their education after Grade
12?
Page 1 of 5
