Die verband tussen die blootstelling aan en gebruik van elektroniese media en akademiese taalvaardigheid

Abstract

The focus of this article is the possible contribution of exposure to and use of modern electronic media to the problem of students’ perceived weak command of formal academic language. Concepts such as academic literacy, the relationship between language and thought, and the effect of modern media on thought patterns will be discussed. The frequent exposure to images on the one hand and the absence of formal reading material on the other, are seen as important factors contributing to language problems experienced by university students. A questionnaire was used to examine the frequency at which grade 8 learners in four Bloemfontein schools, as well as a group of second year students at the University of the Free State, use computers and cell phones, watch television and films, etc. User patterns were established. The results of this research are discussed here.

Keywords: Academic language proficiency, literacy, Web generation, social context, technology and media, interactive learning environment, language and thought, patterns of thought, image thinking

Sleutelwoorde: akademiese taalvaardigheid, geletterdheid, Net-generasie, sosiale konteks, tegnologie en media, interaktiewe leeromgewing, taal en denke, denkpatrone, beelddenke.

The article is in Afrikaans.