SAE3701 ASSIGNMENT 3 2026 - DISTINCTION | Due July 2026

SAE3701
ASSIGNMENT 3 2026
DUE: JULY 2026 (MEMO)

, SAE3701 ASSIGNMENT 3 2026

DUE DATE JULY 2026




QUESTION 1

In South Africa, language is a political issue, especially in education, since many
learners are taught in a language they do not speak at home.

Critically discuss the relationship between language and power in South African
education. In your essay, explore how language affects learning outcomes,
access to quality education, and broader issues of inequality and transformation.




Language and Power in South African Education



Introduction



Language is not only used for communication; it also has power because it influences
learning, identity and access to opportunities. In South Africa, the history of colonialism
and apartheid made some languages, especially English and Afrikaans, more powerful
than African languages. African languages were pushed aside and not valued in
education. Even though South Africa has eleven official languages, most schools still
use English as the language of learning and teaching. This causes problems for
learners who do not speak English at home. The relationship between language and
power in South African education can be understood by looking at how language affects
learning outcomes, access to quality education, inequality and transformation, as well
as language policy challenges and possible solutions.