Bilingualism gridlocked at the University of Kwazulu-Natal

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Periodical article

Title:	Bilingualism gridlocked at the University of Kwazulu-Natal
Author:	Moodley, Dianna Lynette
Year:	2009
Periodical:	Nordic Journal of African Studies (ISSN 1459-9465)
Volume:	18
Issue:	1
Pages:	22-72
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	multilingualism higher education language policy languages of instruction Zulu language English language attitudes
External link:	https://njas.fi/njas/article/view/226/214
Abstract:	This paper situates itself in the context of proposed bi/multilingual higher education policy in postapartheid South Africa. It provides a descriptive analysis of language-user attitudes toward a bilingual (English-isiZulu) medium of education at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The study postulates a dissonance between proposed bilingual policy and practice at UKZN due to resistance exhibited by the university community. Three objectives are pursued: (1) To report on the new bilingual policy currently implemented at the university, (2) To survey language attitudes prevalent among university affiliates, (3) To relate its conclusions to a re-evaluation of the implementation procedure of bilingual policy of UKZN, in line with the desirability of its constituents. A survey-questionnaire was administered to staff and students, probing the following salient factors: (a) language-use patterns (b) proficiency in isiZulu (c) language preferences (d) language attitudes and (e) awareness of language policy in higher education. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract]