ENG2601:
Applied English Language Studies: Futher Exploirat
Assignment 2 2023
Unique Number:
N. B PARAPHRASE YOUR WORK TO AVOID PLAGARISM ( CHANGE WORDS!!!)
ASSIGNMENT: 02
TEXT B: Policy options to crack the mother tongue versus English riddle in South African
schools
Author: Nompumelelo Mohohlwane
Published: July 26, 2020, 11.52 a.m. SAST
, QUESTION 1: Write a well-structured essay of 1000-1200 words in which you discuss Text
B in relation to its purpose, diction, and style.
Analyzing the Purpose, Diction, and Style of "Policy Options to Crack the Mother Tongue Versus
English Riddle in South African Schools"
Introduction:
The contentious topic of language education in South African schools is analyzed in the article "Policy
options to crack the mother tongue versus English riddle in South African schools" by Nompumelelo
Mohohlwane. Mohohlwane seeks to address the on-going debate on utilizing mother-tongue
instruction versus English instruction in schools and provides insight into the complexities surrounding
this issue.
Purpose:
The purpose of Mohohlwane's article is to explore the language debate in South African schools
and provide practical policy options to address the complexity of utilizing mothertongue instruction
along with English instruction in schools. Mohohlwane explains the challenges involved in
introducing mother tongue instruction, stating that it is not merely a matter of promoting
multilingualism or recognizing the resilience of native languages.
Mohohlwane uses evidence-based research to illustrate that implementing mother tongue instruction
in schools must be done in parallel with the development of curricula and teacher training programs
that take into account local cultural values and perceptions. Accordingly, this article's purpose is to
provide policymakers with a more nuanced approach for developing bilingual language education
policies in schools.
Additionally, Mohohlwane supports this standpoint by presenting evidence from various African
countries, highlighting the benefits of commencing schooling in the child's primary language. The
author also emphasizes the inconsistency between the Language in Education Policy and its
implementation, calling for alignment between policy and practice.
For example, the author states that: "Internationally, education theory favors mothertongue
instruction and recommends that schooling should begin in the language the child knows best, often
their mother tongue."
Diction:
Mohohlwane employs a combination of informative and persuasive diction to effectively convey
their arguments. The language used is accessible and inclusive, ensuring broad comprehension
among readers. The author incorporates specialized terminology related to education, such as
"mother-tongue instruction" and "language policy," which bolsters the credibility and specificity of
the discussion.
Therefore, the diction used in the article is straightforward and uses language that is easy to
understand while being suitable for a wide range of readers, including policymakers, educators, and
interested members of the public. For example, in the first sentence of the article, the author uses the
word "incompatibility" to describe the difference between the current language policy in South Africa
and the actual practice of teaching in English from Grade 4. This word is a good choice because it
accurately conveys the idea that the two things are not compatible.
Applied English Language Studies: Futher Exploirat
Assignment 2 2023
Unique Number:
N. B PARAPHRASE YOUR WORK TO AVOID PLAGARISM ( CHANGE WORDS!!!)
ASSIGNMENT: 02
TEXT B: Policy options to crack the mother tongue versus English riddle in South African
schools
Author: Nompumelelo Mohohlwane
Published: July 26, 2020, 11.52 a.m. SAST
, QUESTION 1: Write a well-structured essay of 1000-1200 words in which you discuss Text
B in relation to its purpose, diction, and style.
Analyzing the Purpose, Diction, and Style of "Policy Options to Crack the Mother Tongue Versus
English Riddle in South African Schools"
Introduction:
The contentious topic of language education in South African schools is analyzed in the article "Policy
options to crack the mother tongue versus English riddle in South African schools" by Nompumelelo
Mohohlwane. Mohohlwane seeks to address the on-going debate on utilizing mother-tongue
instruction versus English instruction in schools and provides insight into the complexities surrounding
this issue.
Purpose:
The purpose of Mohohlwane's article is to explore the language debate in South African schools
and provide practical policy options to address the complexity of utilizing mothertongue instruction
along with English instruction in schools. Mohohlwane explains the challenges involved in
introducing mother tongue instruction, stating that it is not merely a matter of promoting
multilingualism or recognizing the resilience of native languages.
Mohohlwane uses evidence-based research to illustrate that implementing mother tongue instruction
in schools must be done in parallel with the development of curricula and teacher training programs
that take into account local cultural values and perceptions. Accordingly, this article's purpose is to
provide policymakers with a more nuanced approach for developing bilingual language education
policies in schools.
Additionally, Mohohlwane supports this standpoint by presenting evidence from various African
countries, highlighting the benefits of commencing schooling in the child's primary language. The
author also emphasizes the inconsistency between the Language in Education Policy and its
implementation, calling for alignment between policy and practice.
For example, the author states that: "Internationally, education theory favors mothertongue
instruction and recommends that schooling should begin in the language the child knows best, often
their mother tongue."
Diction:
Mohohlwane employs a combination of informative and persuasive diction to effectively convey
their arguments. The language used is accessible and inclusive, ensuring broad comprehension
among readers. The author incorporates specialized terminology related to education, such as
"mother-tongue instruction" and "language policy," which bolsters the credibility and specificity of
the discussion.
Therefore, the diction used in the article is straightforward and uses language that is easy to
understand while being suitable for a wide range of readers, including policymakers, educators, and
interested members of the public. For example, in the first sentence of the article, the author uses the
word "incompatibility" to describe the difference between the current language policy in South Africa
and the actual practice of teaching in English from Grade 4. This word is a good choice because it
accurately conveys the idea that the two things are not compatible.
