Language policy myths and realities at M L Sultan Technikon

Abstract

This article examines the issue of language policy and practice in higher education institutions, by observing the impact of interventionist strategies such as the language policy at the ML Sultan Technikon, which is situated in Durban, KwaZulu Natal. The language issue is assessed against the backdrop of multilingualism and the official 11-language policy, as entrenched in the Constitution. Despite the national call for multilingualism, the medium of instruction at the Technikon, as at most tertiary institutions in South Africa, is English. This article examines recent language debates in the country, then discusses the implementation of the Technikon's language policy. The conclusion is that despite the hegemonic role played by English, attempts must be made to encourage multilingualism or regional bilingualism, or else pay the price of further marginalising the African languages.


South African Journal of Higher Education Vol.15(3) 2001: 39-45