At the beginning of 2024 Stellenbosch University (SU) introduced multiple free beginner isiXhosa classes for its staff members, according to Dr Arné Binneman, head of Multilingual Learning at SU. “SU strives to be a multilingual university,” said Binneman in communication with SMF News.
The beginner isiXhosa classes currently have 50 Stellenbosch University (SU) staff members registered for the course, according to Dr Arné Binneman, head of Multilingual Learning at SU. PHOTO: Erinma Nedum
The first of these classes, a beginner class in isiXhosa, was taught on 7 February, according to SU’s Language Centre’s website. The first intake for this year had 30 students, said Binneman.
“As isiXhosa is an official language of the area in which SU is situated and one of the three languages that SU is committed to promote and maintain or develop (the other two being English and Afrikaans), SU believes that it is important for SU staff members to be able to learn isiXhosa,” said Binneman.
Interest in the classes
According to Stembele Johnson, coordinator of the isiXhosa portfolio of SU’s Language Centre, the beginner isiXhosa classes garnered a lot of interest.
“We had a high volume of registrations for this year but unfortunately, we could not take everyone who was interested due to space and limited funding for the year. We even have a waiting list for next year,” said Johnson.
“Stellenbosch University’s (SU) language policy provides for the use of Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa in both learning and teaching and communication but Afrikaans and English are designated as SU’s primary languages of learning and teaching,” according to SU’s website. PHOTO: Erinma Nedum
Rabia Abba Omar, a student in the beginner isiXhosa class and SU staff member, told SMF News that she enjoyed the classes.
“I didn’t grow up in South Africa, so I didn’t know any other official South African language except English. While being in Stellenbosch you pick up Afrikaans, but I thought it was important for me to learn another South African language,” Abba Omar said.
Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Language Centre recently started offering free isXhosa classes to staff members. This commenced on 7 February, according to the Language Centre’s website. PHOTO: Erinma Nedum
Language policy at SU
According to SU’s language policy, the university provides for the use of Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa in learning, teaching and communication. However, only Afrikaans and English are designated as SU’s primary languages of learning and teaching, according to SU’s language policy.
SU also has multiple South African Sign Language (SASL) courses available to staff and students. This is according to SU spokesperson Martin Viljoen.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated as follows:
- There was an intake of 30 students for the classes, not 50, as was previously communicated with SMF News by Dr Binneman.
- Quotes from Stembele Johnson were originally attributed to Dr Binneman, as per our correspondence with her.