[lg policy] South Africa: 'Current language policy won’t promote inclusivity'

[Harold Schiffman]

'Current language policy won’t promote inclusivity'

Stellenbosch University’s SRC says the council has not dealt with issues
that continue to split students.
[image: Open Stellenbosch has released a documentary titled 'Luister',
which presents racism experiences of more than 30 students and a lecturer
at the university. Picture: Youtube screengrab.]
FILE: Earlier this year Open Stellenbosch has released a documentary titled
'Luister', which presents racism experiences of more than 30 students and a
lecturer at the university. Picture: Youtube screengrab.

   - Stellenbosch Universitys language policy
   <http://ewn.co.za/Topic/Stellenbosch-Universitys-language-policy>
   - Stellenbosch University Council
   <http://ewn.co.za/Topic/Stellenbosch-University-Council>



Monique Mortlock <http://ewn.co.za/Contributors/Monique-Mortlock> | about
22 hours ago

CAPE TOWN - Stellenbosch University’s Student Representative Council (SRC)
says the current language policy at the institution won’t promote
inclusivity.

It’s reacted to the university council’s rejection of management’s proposal
to make English the primary language.

Many student groups, including the SRC, have over the past few months been
calling for a fast-track of transformation
<http://ewn.co.za/2015/09/18/Sasco-calls-for-speedy-transformation-at-Stellenbosch-University>
at
the university and applauded management’s decision to boost English as
the *lingua
franca *at the historically Afrikaans university.

However, the council has decided to maintain the 2014 language policy
<http://ewn.co.za/2015/11/30/Maties-Council-to-debate-retention-of-Afrikaans>,
where English and Afrikaans are on an equal status.

The SRC’s James de Villiers says the decision is disconcerting.

“We see this sentiment as confirmation and that the council continues the
status quo, instead of dealing with the language issue, which ultimately we
exclude many students. We really expect council to show leadership in
finding innovative solutions to deal with the language issues.
Unfortunately they chose to continue with what is already in place.”

http://ewn.co.za/2015/12/01/Stellenbosch-Current-language-policy-wont-promote-inclusivity


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