HED4807
ASSIGNMENT 5 (PORTFOLIO)..
DUE DATE: 13 January 2025..
PREVIEW:
QUESTION 1: LANGUAGE EDUCATION POLICIES (15 Marks)
1.1 Influence of the LiEP on language learning and teaching, and its promotion of multilingualism (5
Marks)
The Language-in-Education Policy (LiEP) has significantly influenced language learning and teaching in
South Africa by promoting the equitable use of all official languages and encouraging multilingualism. Its
primary goal is to ensure that learners are taught in their home language during their foundational years,
providing a strong cognitive and linguistic base. This approach enhances conceptual understanding and
reduces language barriers, particularly for learners from marginalized linguistic communities.
Despite its progressive intentions, challenges remain. The dominance of English as the preferred
language of learning and teaching (LoLT) has undermined the policy’s goals, as many schools prioritize
English to align with societal perceptions of its economic and global value. Limited resources, inadequate
teacher training in indigenous languages, and insufficient support for the development of teaching
materials in African languages have further impeded the policy’s success. While LiEP has laid a
foundation for multilingualism, its impact on fostering linguistic diversity has been constrained by
practical and systemic barriers.
1.2 Recommendation on how the LoLT should be chosen, with reference to theories and policies (10
Marks)
The choice of the LoLT should prioritize learners' home language during the foundational years,
transitioning to an additional language like English at an appropriate stage. This approach aligns with
Cummins’ theory of linguistic interdependence, which states that proficiency in a first language (L1)
Disclaimer:
supports the acquisition of a second language (L2). When learners build strong literacy and cognitive
The materials provided are intended for educational and informational purposes only. They should not be
skills in their home language, they are better equipped to transfer these abilities to additional languages.
submitted as original work or used in violation of any academic institution's policies. The buyer is solely
Moreover,
responsibleVygotsky’s
for how thesocio-cultural theory emphasizes that language learning is deeply rooted in social
materials are used.
interaction and cultural context. Using
ASSIGNMENT 5 (PORTFOLIO)..
DUE DATE: 13 January 2025..
PREVIEW:
QUESTION 1: LANGUAGE EDUCATION POLICIES (15 Marks)
1.1 Influence of the LiEP on language learning and teaching, and its promotion of multilingualism (5
Marks)
The Language-in-Education Policy (LiEP) has significantly influenced language learning and teaching in
South Africa by promoting the equitable use of all official languages and encouraging multilingualism. Its
primary goal is to ensure that learners are taught in their home language during their foundational years,
providing a strong cognitive and linguistic base. This approach enhances conceptual understanding and
reduces language barriers, particularly for learners from marginalized linguistic communities.
Despite its progressive intentions, challenges remain. The dominance of English as the preferred
language of learning and teaching (LoLT) has undermined the policy’s goals, as many schools prioritize
English to align with societal perceptions of its economic and global value. Limited resources, inadequate
teacher training in indigenous languages, and insufficient support for the development of teaching
materials in African languages have further impeded the policy’s success. While LiEP has laid a
foundation for multilingualism, its impact on fostering linguistic diversity has been constrained by
practical and systemic barriers.
1.2 Recommendation on how the LoLT should be chosen, with reference to theories and policies (10
Marks)
The choice of the LoLT should prioritize learners' home language during the foundational years,
transitioning to an additional language like English at an appropriate stage. This approach aligns with
Cummins’ theory of linguistic interdependence, which states that proficiency in a first language (L1)
Disclaimer:
supports the acquisition of a second language (L2). When learners build strong literacy and cognitive
The materials provided are intended for educational and informational purposes only. They should not be
skills in their home language, they are better equipped to transfer these abilities to additional languages.
submitted as original work or used in violation of any academic institution's policies. The buyer is solely
Moreover,
responsibleVygotsky’s
for how thesocio-cultural theory emphasizes that language learning is deeply rooted in social
materials are used.
interaction and cultural context. Using
