Izingqinamba emizamweni yokugqugquzela ukusebenza kobuliminingi eNyuvesi iZululand esikhungweni sakwaDlangezwa

[Challenges in promoting multilingualism at the University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa campus]

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56285/jltVol59iss2a6664

Keywords:

multilingualism, higher education, mother tongue, ubuliminingi, imfundo ephakeme, izilimi zomdabu, ulimi lwebele, izingqinamba

Abstract

 Globally, languages fulfil various functions in different contexts such as business, education, law, and communication among others. The purpose of this study is to examine the factors that contribute to the lack of motivation and limited opportunities for advancements of the multilingualism programme implemented at the University of Zululand, specifically focusing on the Dlangezwa campus. The data was gathered through active listening to the statements made by University of Zululand staff that participated in a forum held on 17 July 2023, when the SADiLaR organization conducted a visit to the university of Zululand to evaluate the implementation of the language policy and assess available resources. Thereafter in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 university staff members from different departments to investigate challenges in promoting multilingualism in the university of Zululand. A qualitative approach was adopted in conducting the current study. The present study employed Language Management Theory as a frame-work for the analysis of the acquired data. The findings of the research indicate that the University of Zululand’s mere desire for the successful implementation of a multilingual discourse plan is insufficient. It is crucial to consider various factors, including the development and incorporation of techno-logical tools that can accommodate isiZulu as a language for teaching and learning.

IQOQA

Izilimi zenza umsebenzi ohlukene okubalwa kuwo, ulimi lokuhweba, lwemfundo, lomthetho, lokuxhumana emhlabeni wonke jikelele. Leli phepha lihlose ukuphenya ngezingqinamba eziyimbangela yokugqoza noma ukuhamba kancane kohlelo lokusetshenziswa kobuliminingi eNyuvesi iZululand esikhungweni sakwaDlangezwa. Ulwazi luqoqwe ngokulalela okwaphakanyiswa abafundisi baseNyuvesi iZululand ababethamele leso sithangami esasingomhlaka 17 kuNtulikazi 2023, okubalwa kubo abaholi abaphezulu ababalelwa eshumini nesishiyagalombili (18) kanye nabasebenzi ababemele iminyango eyahlukene abangamashumi amathathu nesishiyagalombili (38). Ngemuva kwalokho abacwaningi base behlela imibuzo ejulile kubafundisi abangamashumi amabili (20) abaqhamuka eminyangweni eyahlukene ukuphenya ngezingqinamba abanazo ukugqugquzela ubuliminingi eNyuvesi iZululand. Lolu wucwaningo olulandela indlela yocwaningo oluhlonze (qualitative). Injulalwazi i-Language Management Theory isetshenzisiwe kulolu cwaningo ukuhlonza nokuhlaziya ulwazi olutholakele. Lolu cwaningo luthole izimbangela ezahlukene okuyizona ezenza uhlelo lokusetshenziswa kobuliminingi lungatheli ngokushesha eNyuvesi iZululand. Phakathi kwezinye izinto, ucwaningo luveza ukuthi ukufisa kukodwa akulekeleli ekufezekiseni uhlelo lokusetshenziswa kobuliminingi kodwa kumele kube khona  kunezinto okumele zibhekwe ezifana nezinsizakusebenza zobuchwepheshe ezizovumela ukuthi isiZulu samukelwe njengolimi lokufunda nokufundisa.

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Author Biographies

Bongephiwe Dlamini-Myeni, University of Zululand, South Africa

Dr Dlamini- Myeni is a Senior Lecturer of isiZulu in the Department of African Languages and Culture within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Zululand. Her research interests include onomastics, sociolinguistics, heritage and culture, and isiZulu literature. She has published widely and extensively in high‑impact international and national journals as well as in book chapters. In addition, Dr Myeni serves as an external reviewer for various accredited journals. She has also published several articles in local newspapers. Dr Myeni has chaired and presented papers at both international and national conferences. Beyond academia, she is actively involved in community engagement through guest speaking, keynote presentations, and radio interviews.

Dumisani Ephraim Khumalo , University of South Africa

Dr Dumisani Ephraim Khumalo is a distinguished researcher with a PhD in African Languages, showcasing a rich tapestry of academic and educational expertise. With a decade of experience spanning both tertiary and basic education, Dr. Khumalo has made significant contributions to the realm of isiZulu education. His passion for linguistic exploration extends to onomastics, ethnomusicology, language planning, and sociolinguistics, where his research delves into the intricate interplay of language, culture, and society. Beyond the academic sphere, Dr. Khumalo serves as an associate editor for the esteemed South African Journal of African Languages (SAJAL), contributing to the dissemination of knowledge and fostering scholarly dialogue within the field.

Sibusiso Sihle Xhakaza, University of Zululand, South Africa

Xhakaza Sibusiso Sihle is a PhD student in the Department of African Languages and Culture, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Zululand. At undergraduate level, he majored in IsiZulu, English and Dramatic Arts. At master’s level he focused on isiZulu grammar. His current study (PhD) is in onomastics.

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Published

2025-10-02

How to Cite

Dlamini-Myeni, B., Khumalo , D. E. ., & Xhakaza, S. S. . (2025). Izingqinamba emizamweni yokugqugquzela ukusebenza kobuliminingi eNyuvesi iZululand esikhungweni sakwaDlangezwa: [Challenges in promoting multilingualism at the University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa campus]. Journal for Language Teaching, 59(2), Article 6664. https://doi.org/10.56285/jltVol59iss2a6664