(ANSWERS) 2023 -
GUARANTEED DISTINCTION
GOOD GRADES.
, Question 1 [20]
1.1 Outline the difference between home language level, mother tongue or home language and first
additional language level in relation to its use as a language of learning and teaching in South
African schools. (6)
Home Language Level
The home language level refers to the language that a student speaks at home and is most
proficient in. It is the language that the student is most comfortable using and understands best. In
South African schools, the home language level is important as it forms the foundation for a
student's cognitive and linguistic development. It is also the language in which students are initially
taught in the early years of schooling.
Mother Tongue or Home Language
The terms "mother tongue" and "home language" are often used interchangeably. They both refer
to the language that a person learns from birth or from a very young age, usually from their parents
or immediate family members. It is the language that is spoken in the home environment and is
closely tied to a person's cultural and ethnic identity. In South African schools, the mother tongue or
home language is recognized as an important aspect of a student's education and is used as a
medium of instruction in the early years of schooling.
First Additional Language Level
The first additional language level refers to a language that is taught as an additional subject in
school, alongside the home language. It is a language that the student learns as a second language,
usually starting from primary school. In South African schools, the first additional language is often
English or Afrikaans, depending on the school's language policy. The first additional language is
taught to develop students' proficiency in a second language and to enable them to communicate
effectively in a multilingual society.
Use as a Language of Learning and Teaching
In South African schools, the home language level and mother tongue or home language are used as
languages of learning and teaching in the early years of schooling. This means that students are