In Canada, language is not just about communication — it touches on identity, power and recognition. But how does linguistic identity shape perceptions of languages and those who speak them?
Articles on Language policy
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A new education law in South Africa affecting how schools are governed as well as language policies has sparked controversy.
Multilingual teaching was a challenge under emergency remote learning conditions: computer systems weren’t adapted to indigenous languages.
It is important to embrace all the nation’s languages in a multilingual and multicultural society. This will ensure they are used, developed and mainstreamed.
Researchers have been calling for the extension of mother-tongue instruction beyond the current status quo in South African schools, but parents seem to prefer an even earlier transition to English.
Most of the community radio stations operate on a survivalist level, and should be seen as struggling small, medium and micro enterprises.
Schools are still not using Nigerian languages to teach students.
South African parents want their children be taught in English despite the fact that research shows that academic progress is hindered if a child is taught in a language they aren’t proficient in.
Australia has no policy designating English as the official language, but an explicit ‘English first’ policy for shop signs would treat speakers of every other language as second-class citizens.
Over the years, our understanding of how language and learning are linked has shifted and changed. There is ample evidence about the value of mother-tongue-based multilingual education.
Next year South Africa’s Stellenbosch University will celebrate its centenary. A recent conference to discuss the anniversary has reminded everyone present that knowledge is a fickle mistress.
Top contributors
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Associate Professor in Applied Linguistics, Adelaide University
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Senior Research Fellow, Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria., University of Pretoria
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Associate Professor in Literacy, Macquarie University
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Professor of Applied Linguistics, Macquarie University
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Researcher, Human Sciences Research Council
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Professor of African Language Studies, University of the Western Cape
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Education researcher, Stellenbosch University
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Associate professor, University of the Western Cape
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Associate Professor of Linguistics, University of Benin
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Postdoctoral research fellow (Forensic Linguistics/ Language and Law), University of the Western Cape
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Chief Research Specialist., Human Sciences Research Council
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Associate researcher, University of the Witwatersrand
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Professor of Education and Development, University of KwaZulu-Natal
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Associate Professor of French and Linguistics, Binghamton University, State University of New York