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Implementing the Wits Language Policy

The University of the Witwatersrand aims to rollout the language policy in four phases. 

This will mean implementing it across the institution to academics and students, and to use it to develop the multilingual abilities of staff. The implementation takes into consideration resource materials needed and classroom teaching.

It is important to note that these phases are not discrete but overlap and are continuous.

Phase One: Multilingual linguistic landscape and branding (short-term)

This phase includes changing the linguistic landscape on campus through multilingual signage to reflect the University language policy and to reflect the recognition of languages for formal and informal interaction; adopting multilingual branding; translating key documents such as contracts, rules, grievance procedures, staff charters, into isiZulu and Sesotho; providing interpreting services where required (already in place); including multilingual and multicultural practices at ceremonial gatherings e.g. graduations and inaugurations.

Phase Two: Development of resources needed for the teaching of isiZulu, Sesotho SASL (long term)

This phase is to be carried out by academics in the relevant fields. Materials do already exist but are constantly being updated and extended. This represents an area of potential collaboration with other universities.

Phase Three: Develop linguistic abilities of staff and students in the chosen languages (ongoing)

This phase includes the implementation of a language requirement for students to ensure that the University is known for training multilingual professionals. A language requirement will ensure that there is funding for the training of students in the various languages and that the courses offered include appropriate aspects of culture, history and literature.

Included in this phase is the offering of language courses to staff through the Wits Language School. Courses for staff will have been offered since 2018.

Phase Four: isiZulu, Sesotho and SASL as LOLTs alongside English (long-term)

This phase is to be carried out by academics in the relevant fields. New materials need to be developed for different fields. Materials development in different fields is a long-term project and planning is required to identify what is appropriate and feasible. Easy gains are in the areas of tutorial support. This is an area in which collaboration across universities is essential.

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