ASSIGNMENT 9 2023
DUE: 24 AUGUST 2023
, 1.5 Assessment 9
This assessment measures your achievement of the outcomes of Learning Units 5
and 6.
Question 1
1.1 Outline the difference between home language level, mother tongue or home
language and first additional language level in relation to its use as a language of
learning and teaching in South African schools.
In the South African context, the terms "home language level," "mother tongue or home
language," and "first additional language level" refer to different linguistic categories used
in education. These categories are significant in the context of language-based
instruction and learning in South African schools. Here's an outline of the differences
between these terms:
Home Language Level:
Home language level refers to the language that a learner primarily speaks and
understands at home.
It is the language in which the learner has the most proficiency and fluency.
Home language level instruction involves teaching and learning subjects using the
learner's primary language.
Mother Tongue or Home Language:
Mother tongue or home language refers to the language that a learner acquires from their
parents or immediate family members during early childhood.
It is often the first language a child learns and uses for communication at home.
Mother tongue or home language instruction focuses on developing proficiency in the
language and using it as a medium of instruction.
First Additional Language Level:
First additional language level refers to a language that a learner learns in addition to
their home language.
It is a language that may be widely spoken in the country or community but is not the
learner's primary language.
, First additional language level instruction aims to develop basic proficiency in the
additional language and may be used as a language of instruction alongside the home
language.
In the context of language of learning and teaching (LoLT) in South African schools:
Home language level instruction emphasizes using the learner's primary language as the
medium of instruction, particularly in the early years of schooling.
Mother tongue or home language instruction recognizes the importance of maintaining
and developing proficiency in the learner's first language as a foundation for learning.
First additional language level instruction focuses on introducing and developing
competence in an additional language, which may be used alongside the home language
for instruction in certain subjects or settings.
South Africa has a multilingual society with various language communities, and the
recognition and promotion of home languages and additional languages in education aim
to foster inclusive and effective learning environments for all learners.
1.2 How is the additive approach implemented in South African schools to promote
multilingualism?
The additive approach is an educational approach implemented in South African schools
to promote multilingualism and support learners in developing proficiency in multiple
languages. Here's how the additive approach is implemented in South African schools:
Language-in-Education Policy:
South Africa recognizes 11 official languages, including English, Afrikaans, and various
indigenous languages.
The Language-in-Education Policy promotes the use of learners' home languages as a
language of learning and teaching (LoLT) in the early years of schooling.
The policy also emphasizes the introduction of an additional language as a subject from
the early grades.
Home Language Instruction:
The additive approach acknowledges the importance of maintaining and developing
proficiency in learners' home languages.
In the early years of schooling, instruction is provided in the learners' home language as
the LoLT.
Home language instruction aims to build a strong foundation in literacy and subject
knowledge using the language that learners are most proficient in.