The implementation of a classroom interpreting service at the University of the Free State — a needs assessment

Abstract

In tracing the history of South African higher education institutions this article focuses on the effect that language has had in the planning and implementation of their language policies. Specific focus is on the University of the Free State and how it approaches challenges in the teaching and learning environment where a multilingual demographic asks for innovative solutions in order to transform successfully. One solution could be that of simultaneous classroom interpreting. Before a system such as this could be researched, a needs analysis had to be done in order to determine whether such a system would be welcomed at the University. This information, highlighted by the institution's language history and policy, is therefore the focus of this article.

Southern African Linguistics and Applied Language Studies 2007, 25(2): 131–139