HED4807
ASSIGNMENT 5 (PORTFOLIO)
DUE DATE: 13 January 2025
Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than January 2025. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
QUESTION 1: LANGUAGE EDUCATION POLICIES (15 Marks)
1.1 The influence of the LiEP on language learning and teaching and the promotion of
multilingualism (5 Marks)
The Language-in-Education Policy (LiEP) in South Africa is designed to recognize and promote
linguistic diversity while fostering multilingualism. It has significantly influenced language learning
and teaching by emphasizing the importance of learners being taught in their home language during
early education while gradually transitioning to additional languages, including English. This
approach seeks to ensure conceptual understanding while promoting linguistic proficiency in
multiple languages.
However, the effectiveness of the policy is often constrained by implementation challenges. For
instance, schools frequently lack adequate resources, such as teachers proficient in African
languages or teaching materials in these languages. Consequently, learners might not fully benefit
from multilingual instruction. Despite these obstacles, the LiEP has sparked dialogue and action
towards valuing all South African languages, promoting cultural identity, and reducing linguistic
marginalization. While the policy has set the groundwork for multilingualism, the practical execution
requires consistent improvement to realize its full potential.
ASSIGNMENT 5 (PORTFOLIO)
DUE DATE: 13 January 2025
Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:
Please ensure that your assignment is submitted electronically through the myUnisa platform no
later than January 2025. Kindly note that fax or email submissions will not be accepted.
NB: Assignment submitted to the lecturer(s) through email will not be considered.
QUESTION 1: LANGUAGE EDUCATION POLICIES (15 Marks)
1.1 The influence of the LiEP on language learning and teaching and the promotion of
multilingualism (5 Marks)
The Language-in-Education Policy (LiEP) in South Africa is designed to recognize and promote
linguistic diversity while fostering multilingualism. It has significantly influenced language learning
and teaching by emphasizing the importance of learners being taught in their home language during
early education while gradually transitioning to additional languages, including English. This
approach seeks to ensure conceptual understanding while promoting linguistic proficiency in
multiple languages.
However, the effectiveness of the policy is often constrained by implementation challenges. For
instance, schools frequently lack adequate resources, such as teachers proficient in African
languages or teaching materials in these languages. Consequently, learners might not fully benefit
from multilingual instruction. Despite these obstacles, the LiEP has sparked dialogue and action
towards valuing all South African languages, promoting cultural identity, and reducing linguistic
marginalization. While the policy has set the groundwork for multilingualism, the practical execution
requires consistent improvement to realize its full potential.
