University of Stellenbosch's council endorses multilingual policy

[Harold F. Schiffman]

>>From Cape Times,
Matie council endorses multilingual policy

By Babalo Ndenze

The University of Stellenbosch's council has endorsed rector Chris Brink's
multilingual policy despite last week's convocation meeting where a
overwhelming majority of graduates present rejected it. Following the
university council's informal talks on the language debate on November 5,
and the meeting of the convocation on November 10, there was a "thorough"
discussion of language policy at last night's council meeting at
Stellenbosch University, said the university's marketing and communication
head Susan van der Merwe. She said the proposal by Brink, that all
language specifications for next year should again go before senate, this
time for recommendation to council, was accepted.

"The language committee was asked to compile a consolidated register of
resolutions that reflect the status quo of existing decisions with regard
to language. Clarification will be obtained on any possible legal and
technical anomalies,"she said. "Regarding the motion that was passed by
the convocation, the council reaffirms its commitment to the Language
Policy and Language Plan that were accepted in 2002.

"The council shares the concern regarding perceptions surrounding the
language debate. "The council re-affirms that the concept of revision has
been built into the existing Language Policy, and that Stellenbosch
University should have a complete Plan to promote Afrikaans as a language
of teaching and scholarship in a multilingual context."

 Published on the web by Cape Times on November 15, 2005.
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 Cape Times 2005. All rights reserved.
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