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REVIEW OF THE LANGUAGE POLICY
Background
The review of the Language Policy and Language Plan of Stellenbosch
University is regulated by the following provision in the Language
Plan:
Provision 7.5:
“The Language Policy and Language Plan are thoroughly
reviewed every three years for possible revision. Revisions
to the Language Policy and Language Plan related to academic
issues are referred to the Council via the Senate.”
Structures
The review process is dealt with as part of the line function of the
Vice-Rector (Teaching), Prof. Russel Botman, who serves as project owner.
To facilitate the task of dealing with the review process, a task group
consisting of the following members was appointed:
Prof Leon de Stadler (Language Centre; project leader)
Ms Lazelle Bonthuys (Support Services)
Mr Kobus Ehlers (Students’ Representative Council)
Dr Brenda Leibowitz (Centre for Teaching and Learning)
Dr Barbara Pool (Project Management)
Mr Mohamed Shaik (Marketing & Communication)
Dr Edna van Harte (Dean of Students)
Prof Anton van Niekerk (Language Committee)
Secretariat: Mss Thanja Allison and Suzanne Ross
This task group also uses a number of experts in the field
of language planning, including Prof Vic Webb (Pretoria), Prof
Theo du Plessis (Free State) and various experts on our own
campus.
For the purpose of consultation and deliberation, a Reference
Group has been appointed. The project owner and task group
enjoy further support from a calibration team consisting of
Profs Johann Groenewald, Tommy Park and Arnold Schoonwinkel
and Dr Gert Steyn. This calibration team helps with calibrating
proposals, taking into account strategic data in specific areas
within SU.
The brief
The task group has been requested to consider the review of
the Language Policy and Language Plan, a task that should be
performed against the backdrop of existing decisions made by
Senate and Council with regard to the policy. The task group
is specifically tasked with focusing on the following matters:
1. A thorough process of consultation.
2. The values that should direct the Language Policy of the University.
3. Compiling a conceptual framework within which the review of the Language
Policy should be carried out.
4. Determining the unit for language specifications.
5. Developing a measuring instrument for language presence (How does
one know how much Afrikaans is used at SU?).
6. Proposals for better monitoring and assessment of the Language Policy.
7. Proposals for the realisation of Vision 2012, Point 5: The promotion
of Afrikaans as language of teaching and science. The Task Group should
also examine initiatives that go beyond the functions of teaching and
science.
8. Developing a language communication plan.
9. Proposals for financing the Language Policy.
Project plan
The Task Group functions according to an approved project plan with a
view to completing its tasks by November 2006.
LG de Stadler
Project Leader
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