Introducing critical language awareness in IsiZulu: the why and the how

Abstract

This article explains why introducing critical language awareness (CLA) in isiZulu is necessary. To familiarise the reader with CLA, the article outlines the assumptions that underpin this concept. It then discusses how CLA could be applied in teaching mainly reading and viewing in isiZulu, highlighting the factors that militate against the introduction of critical literacy and emphasising that, for good results to be obtained, the critical exploration of meaning needs to be done in relation to the specific social, political and historical contexts in which the text is embedded. Finally, to conclude, the article uses two exemplars to illustrate how reading and viewing could be introduced in isiZulu.

Southern African Linguistics and Applied Language Studies 2006, 24(2): 165–173