HED4807 Assignment 5
PORTFOLIO (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) 2024 - DUE 13
January 2025
,HED4807 Assignment 5 PORTFOLIO
(COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2024 - DUE 13
January 2025
QUESTON 1: LANGUAGE EDUCATION POLICIES (15) 1.1
Provide your own interpretation of how the LiEP has
influenced language learning and teaching, and whether
it has promoted multilingualism. (5) 1.2 What is your
recommendation on how the language of teaching and
learning (LoLT) should be chosen. Substantiate your view
referring to first and additional language theories and
policy documents. (10)
1.1 Interpretation of the Influence of LiEP on Language Learning and Teaching
and Multilingualism (5 marks)
The Language in Education Policy (LiEP) in South Africa was introduced to promote
multilingualism and provide equitable access to education in a linguistically diverse country. It
emphasizes the importance of mother tongue instruction, particularly in the early stages of
learning, while also encouraging the acquisition of additional languages.
The policy has influenced language learning and teaching by:
Promoting mother tongue education: This allows learners to build foundational skills
in their first language, improving cognitive development and academic performance.
Encouraging multilingualism: By advocating for the learning of additional languages, it
fosters cross-cultural understanding and national unity.
Challenges in implementation: Despite its intentions, many schools face practical
barriers, such as a lack of resources, teacher training, and materials in indigenous
languages, which has limited the full realization of multilingual education.
Overall, while LiEP has set a progressive framework for multilingualism, its practical impact has
been mixed due to systemic challenges.
1.2 Recommendations on Choosing the Language of Teaching and Learning
(LoLT) (10 marks)
The choice of the Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT) should balance cognitive,
cultural, and social considerations. Based on first and additional language theories and policy
documents like LiEP, my recommendations are as follows:
, 1. Mother Tongue-Based Education in Early Years:
o Rationale: First language acquisition theories (e.g., Cummins' threshold
hypothesis) suggest that strong proficiency in the first language enhances second
language learning. Early education in the mother tongue ensures that learners can
grasp concepts effectively without the barrier of an unfamiliar language.
o Policy Support: LiEP encourages mother tongue instruction, particularly in early
education.
2. Gradual Transition to Additional Languages:
o Rationale: Learners should transition to an additional language (e.g., English or
Afrikaans) as LoLT when they have developed sufficient proficiency. This aligns
with Vygotsky’s social constructivist theory, which highlights the importance of
language in cognitive development and interaction.
o Implementation: Language bridging programs and support should be in place
during this transition.
3. Context-Specific Choice:
o Rationale: Schools should consider the linguistic demographics of their
community. For instance, in urban areas with diverse linguistic groups, a common
lingua franca may be necessary. In rural areas, mother tongue instruction may be
more feasible.
o Policy Support: LiEP allows schools to determine LoLT in consultation with
their School Governing Bodies (SGBs).
4. Teacher Training and Resource Allocation:
o Rationale: Effective implementation requires trained teachers proficient in the
chosen LoLT and adequate teaching materials in multiple languages.
5. Promoting Multilingualism:
o Rationale: Multilingual education programs should encourage learners to become
proficient in their mother tongue and at least one additional language. This aligns
with the additive bilingualism model, which views additional language learning as
enriching rather than replacing the first language.
Substantiation:
LiEP’s framework and linguistic theories underline the importance of mother tongue instruction
and the gradual acquisition of additional languages. However, successful implementation
requires systemic support, addressing challenges such as resource shortages and teacher training.
By prioritizing a learner-centered approach, the LoLT choice can enhance both academic
outcomes and cultural inclusivity.
PORTFOLIO (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) 2024 - DUE 13
January 2025
,HED4807 Assignment 5 PORTFOLIO
(COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2024 - DUE 13
January 2025
QUESTON 1: LANGUAGE EDUCATION POLICIES (15) 1.1
Provide your own interpretation of how the LiEP has
influenced language learning and teaching, and whether
it has promoted multilingualism. (5) 1.2 What is your
recommendation on how the language of teaching and
learning (LoLT) should be chosen. Substantiate your view
referring to first and additional language theories and
policy documents. (10)
1.1 Interpretation of the Influence of LiEP on Language Learning and Teaching
and Multilingualism (5 marks)
The Language in Education Policy (LiEP) in South Africa was introduced to promote
multilingualism and provide equitable access to education in a linguistically diverse country. It
emphasizes the importance of mother tongue instruction, particularly in the early stages of
learning, while also encouraging the acquisition of additional languages.
The policy has influenced language learning and teaching by:
Promoting mother tongue education: This allows learners to build foundational skills
in their first language, improving cognitive development and academic performance.
Encouraging multilingualism: By advocating for the learning of additional languages, it
fosters cross-cultural understanding and national unity.
Challenges in implementation: Despite its intentions, many schools face practical
barriers, such as a lack of resources, teacher training, and materials in indigenous
languages, which has limited the full realization of multilingual education.
Overall, while LiEP has set a progressive framework for multilingualism, its practical impact has
been mixed due to systemic challenges.
1.2 Recommendations on Choosing the Language of Teaching and Learning
(LoLT) (10 marks)
The choice of the Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT) should balance cognitive,
cultural, and social considerations. Based on first and additional language theories and policy
documents like LiEP, my recommendations are as follows:
, 1. Mother Tongue-Based Education in Early Years:
o Rationale: First language acquisition theories (e.g., Cummins' threshold
hypothesis) suggest that strong proficiency in the first language enhances second
language learning. Early education in the mother tongue ensures that learners can
grasp concepts effectively without the barrier of an unfamiliar language.
o Policy Support: LiEP encourages mother tongue instruction, particularly in early
education.
2. Gradual Transition to Additional Languages:
o Rationale: Learners should transition to an additional language (e.g., English or
Afrikaans) as LoLT when they have developed sufficient proficiency. This aligns
with Vygotsky’s social constructivist theory, which highlights the importance of
language in cognitive development and interaction.
o Implementation: Language bridging programs and support should be in place
during this transition.
3. Context-Specific Choice:
o Rationale: Schools should consider the linguistic demographics of their
community. For instance, in urban areas with diverse linguistic groups, a common
lingua franca may be necessary. In rural areas, mother tongue instruction may be
more feasible.
o Policy Support: LiEP allows schools to determine LoLT in consultation with
their School Governing Bodies (SGBs).
4. Teacher Training and Resource Allocation:
o Rationale: Effective implementation requires trained teachers proficient in the
chosen LoLT and adequate teaching materials in multiple languages.
5. Promoting Multilingualism:
o Rationale: Multilingual education programs should encourage learners to become
proficient in their mother tongue and at least one additional language. This aligns
with the additive bilingualism model, which views additional language learning as
enriching rather than replacing the first language.
Substantiation:
LiEP’s framework and linguistic theories underline the importance of mother tongue instruction
and the gradual acquisition of additional languages. However, successful implementation
requires systemic support, addressing challenges such as resource shortages and teacher training.
By prioritizing a learner-centered approach, the LoLT choice can enhance both academic
outcomes and cultural inclusivity.
