The purpose of this study was to investigate how African heritage language learners in Grade 3 constructed their language identity in a culturally diverse urban classroom. The data reflects the Grade 3 learners’ beliefs and feelings toward being educated in an English-medium school instead of attending a school where they were taught in their home language. A theoretical framework, based on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological system informed my study. The framework provides a holistic picture of how the Grade 3 learners constructed their language identity, as it did not only focus on the learners as such. The ecological system examined the unique aspects of the learners within their microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem and chronosystem. In this exploration of multiple cases studies from a social constructivism perspective, the researcher collaborated with two Grade 3 teachers, seven parents and six Grade 3 African heritage language learners, to create a mosaic by using semi-structured interviews, documents, observational field notes, narrative reflections, photographs, drawings and a reflective journal. Participants’ perceptions of attending an English-medium school revealed how the Grade 3 learners constructed their language identity through assimilation. The findings revealed that the Grade 3 participants did not favour their home language or heritage culture as much as they favoured the Western culture. The following factors influenced the construction of the Grade 3 learners’ language identity: their environments, the school setting, their teachers’ attitude toward teaching in a culturally diverse classroom, their parents’ attitude toward their attending an English-medium school and lastly their friends. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2017. / Early Childhood Education / MEd / Unrestricted

Masters of Art / South Africa, like many ex-colonial contexts finds itself confronting difficult decisions about multilingualism. The South Africa constitution recognizes eleven official languages and provides for education in these languages. At present, few parents opt to put their children in African language classrooms.This study explores the case of an inner-city school in Cape Town which offered limited provisions in learning in Afrikaans and isiXhosa besides the main language English. The study elicited learners’ ideas and attitudes about the viability of these languages as languages of teaching and learning through the primary use of interviews. Learners’ perceptions of language are discussed within a language ideological framework that distinguishes between modernist and post modernist ideas of language in a transforming postmodern context.Among the findings are ideologically loaded discourses of how these learners undermine the use of Afrikaans and isiXhosa as languages of education in order to create or enact a certain learner identity which they deem appropriate for this context. Furthermore, downgrading of their languages is largely embedded in the need to separate languages of the home and education as some languages are more than others believed to offer social and economic flexibility.

The study investigated the linguistic challenges faced by Setswana-speaking Grade 7 learners when writing Science examinations in English. Learners from rural and township schools are only introduced to English as a language of learning and teaching in Grade 4, which creates problems for the learners because English is foreign to them. Teachers help by translating words or code-switching but it become a problem in the examinations because teachers cannot help the learners during the examination session. Since starting as a Grade 7 Mathematics and Science teacher almost three years ago, I have noticed that Grade 7 Setswana-speaking learners are struggling to understand the language used in formal assessments, which is English. I decided to investigate the linguistic challenges these learners face when writing Science examinations in rural and township schools. The purpose of conducting this research is to help policymakers to meet the linguistic needs of non-native English speakers. The study will also make curriculum development specialists and those who set provincial question papers aware of the linguistic challenges faced by non-native speakers of English in primary schools. Lastly, the study will help readers gain a better understanding of why some teachers prefer to use indigenous languages when they teach over English and why some prefer to use English over indigenous languages. Many literature sources state that non-native English-speaking learners underachieve academically because of learning in a language that is not their first language (O’Connor & Geiger, 2009; Dawber & Jordan, 1999; Ortiz, 1997; Statham, 1997). The participants comprised of four purposively selected Grade7 Natural Science teachers, two SGBs and Grade 7 learners from two primary schools in Hammanskraal, Gauteng. This study followed a qualitative research approach and falls under the interpretive research paradigm. It is a phenomenological study and focuses on the lived experiences of teachers and learners. Methods of data collection used were classroom observations, interviews, questionnaires, and document analysis. Data gathered indicated that Setswana-speaking learners made basic errors such as spelling, sentence construction, grammar, incomplete sentences, mixed languages, using words that do not exist, tenses and understanding instructions. Recommendation to the SGBs is that they should consider these linguistic challenges when they draft language policies for rural and township schools. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2020. / Humanities Education / MEd / Unrestricted

This study focuses on the English Second Language (ESL) learner with inadequate English proficiency. The Schools Act allows parents to choose their children's Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT). Consequently, many parents choose English as LOLT for their children, believing that it will guarantee success for their children in the world of school and work. ESL learners with inadequate English proficiency experience barriers to learning. Most educators do not have the knowledge or the tools to support these ESL learners. Consequently, many ESL learners are recommended for retention or defined as "slow" learners. A crucial need for a language enrichment programme to augment these ESL learners' inadequate English proficiency was identified. After an in-depth search no South African language enrichment programme could be found for Grade 4 mainstream educators to implement in the classroom. A questionnaire was designed, based on the literature research, and distributed to determine what the needs of Grade 4 mainstream educators Concerning a language enrichment programme were. Grade 4 educators were targeted as a population since Grade 4 has been reported by educators as a critical period in the learners' education and also falls into the researcher's sphere of responsibilities. A great need for a language enrichment programme was confirmed. From the questionnaire it was deduced that educators felt comfortable using a story as medium for the language enrichment programme. A language enrichment programme suitable for the mainstream classroom was compiled for Grade 4 ESL learners based on the literature research and the responses of the questionnaire. 40 Grade 4 Language, Literacy and Communication (LLC) educators with knowledge on how to support learners with barriers were requested to implement the language enrichment programme over a six week period in their classroom. A short questionnaire to assess the suitability of implementation was completed by them afterwards. The response from the educators was exceptionally positive. The results of this study suggest that the story-based language enrichment programme can be implemented with success in the mainstream classroom to augment ESL learners' inadequate English proficiency, making the road to academic and career success so much smoother. / This study focuses on the English Second Language (ESL) learner with inadequate English proficiency. The Schools Act allows parents to choose Their children's Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) consequently, many parents choose English as LOLT for their children, believing that it will guarantee success for their children in the world of school and work. ESL learners with inadequate English proficiency experience barriers to earning. Most educators do not have the knowledge or the tools to support these ESL learners. Consequently, many ESL learners are recommended for retention or defined as "slow" learners. A crucial need for a language enrichment programme to augment these ESL learners' inadequate English proficiency was identified. After an in-depth search no South African language enrichment programme could be found for Grade 4 mainstream educators to implement in the classroom. A questionnaire was designed, based on the literature research, and distributed to determine what the needs of Grade 4 mainstream educators concerning a language enrichment programme were. Grade 4 educators were targeted as a population since Grade 4, has been reported by educators as a critical period in the learners' education and also falls into the researcher's sphere of responsibilities. A great need for a language enrichment programme was confirmed. From the questionnaire it w deduced that educators felt comfortable using a story as medium for the language enrichment programme. A language enrichment program suitable for the mainstream classroom was compiled for Grade 4 El learners based on the literature research and the responses of the questionnaire. 40 Grade 4 Language, Literacy and Communication (LLC) educators with knowledge on how to support learners with barriers were requested implement the language enrichment programme over a six week period their classroom. A short questionnaire to assess the suitability of implementation was completed by them afterwards. The response of the educators was exceptionally positive. The results of this study suggest that the story-based language enrichment programme can be implemented with success in the mainstream classroom to augment ESL learners' inadequate English proficiency, making the road to academic and career success so much smoother. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Education))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2004.

Thesis (Ph.D. (Language Education)) --University of Limpopo, 2018. / Refer to document

Thesis (Ph.D. (Education))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2004.

This study focuses on the English Second Language (ESL) learner with inadequate English proficiency. The Schools Act allows parents to choose their children's Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT). Consequently, many parents choose English as LOLT for their children, believing that it will guarantee success for their children in the world of school and work. ESL learners with inadequate English proficiency experience barriers to learning. Most educators do not have the knowledge or the tools to support these ESL learners. Consequently, many ESL learners are recommended for retention or defined as "slow" learners. A crucial need for a language enrichment programme to augment these ESL learners' inadequate English proficiency was identified. After an in-depth search no South African language enrichment programme could be found for Grade 4 mainstream educators to implement in the classroom. A questionnaire was designed, based on the literature research, and distributed to determine what the needs of Grade 4 mainstream educators Concerning a language enrichment programme were. Grade 4 educators were targeted as a population since Grade 4 has been reported by educators as a critical period in the learners' education and also falls into the researcher's sphere of responsibilities. A great need for a language enrichment programme was confirmed. From the questionnaire it was deduced that educators felt comfortable using a story as medium for the language enrichment programme. A language enrichment programme suitable for the mainstream classroom was compiled for Grade 4 ESL learners based on the literature research and the responses of the questionnaire. 40 Grade 4 Language, Literacy and Communication (LLC) educators with knowledge on how to support learners with barriers were requested to implement the language enrichment programme over a six week period in their classroom. A short questionnaire to assess the suitability of implementation was completed by them afterwards. The response from the educators was exceptionally positive. The results of this study suggest that the story-based language enrichment programme can be implemented with success in the mainstream classroom to augment ESL learners' inadequate English proficiency, making the road to academic and career success so much smoother. / This study focuses on the English Second Language (ESL) learner with inadequate English proficiency. The Schools Act allows parents to choose Their children's Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) consequently, many parents choose English as LOLT for their children, believing that it will guarantee success for their children in the world of school and work. ESL learners with inadequate English proficiency experience barriers to earning. Most educators do not have the knowledge or the tools to support these ESL learners. Consequently, many ESL learners are recommended for retention or defined as "slow" learners. A crucial need for a language enrichment programme to augment these ESL learners' inadequate English proficiency was identified. After an in-depth search no South African language enrichment programme could be found for Grade 4 mainstream educators to implement in the classroom. A questionnaire was designed, based on the literature research, and distributed to determine what the needs of Grade 4 mainstream educators concerning a language enrichment programme were. Grade 4 educators were targeted as a population since Grade 4, has been reported by educators as a critical period in the learners' education and also falls into the researcher's sphere of responsibilities. A great need for a language enrichment programme was confirmed. From the questionnaire it w deduced that educators felt comfortable using a story as medium for the language enrichment programme. A language enrichment program suitable for the mainstream classroom was compiled for Grade 4 El learners based on the literature research and the responses of the questionnaire. 40 Grade 4 Language, Literacy and Communication (LLC) educators with knowledge on how to support learners with barriers were requested implement the language enrichment programme over a six week period their classroom. A short questionnaire to assess the suitability of implementation was completed by them afterwards. The response of the educators was exceptionally positive. The results of this study suggest that the story-based language enrichment programme can be implemented with success in the mainstream classroom to augment ESL learners' inadequate English proficiency, making the road to academic and career success so much smoother. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Education))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2004.

There is a need for information regarding the relationship of phonological awareness to reading and spelling in the multilingual learner in South Africa. The speech-language therapist has a role to play as part of the collaborative team assessing and treating the learner with reading and spelling difficulties. The aim of the study was to examine the relationships that exist between phonological awareness, written spelling and oral reading abilities in four groups of school-aged learners. A quantitative research design was employed in the form of a descriptive survey. Twenty test subjects were selected randomly from Grade 2 classes at an English-medium inclusive school in Pretoria, South Africa. Their class teachers on their final school report of the year had rated the learners as having good or poor literacy ability. They were organized into four research groups which differed with respect to their home language (English or English as Additional Language) and with respect to their literacy ability as judged by their teachers (Good or Poor literacy ability). A questionnaire was designed to ascertain parental perspectives pertaining to the learners’ case history and literacy development. A test battery composed of the Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation (Goldman&Fristoe, 1986), the Phonological Assessment Battery (Frederickson, Reason&Frith, 1997), the ESSI Reading and the ESSI Spelling Test (Esterhuyse&Beukes, 1997), and the TOLD-P: 2 (Newcomer&Hammill, 1991), as well as a Class Spelling List and a Reading Comprehension Task developed by the researcher, was administered to all test subjects. Findings of subjects’ performance in this study supported international findings regarding the strong relationship between phonological awareness ability and performance on reading and spelling measures. In addition, multilingual learners in this study were found to have delays in language development that negatively impacted on their literacy rating. The language development of the English-speakers with poor literacy ability in this study also negatively affected their reading and spelling performance. The test battery used in this study, with the exception of the Reading Comprehension Task, proved useful in differentiating subjects with good and poor literacy abilities and appears to be applicable for use in the South African situation. The results provide useful insights for the assessment and treatment of these learners. Furthermore, relevant research topics in the field of literacy development in an inclusive education setting were presented. / Dissertation (M (Communication Pathology))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology / unrestricted

Multilingualism in classrooms is currently prompting debate and has significantly impacted on schooling in South Africa over the last decade. At present South African educators face the challenge of coping with and finding solutions to culturally and linguistically diverse urban school contexts that did not exist before. In many South African communities young learners, without any prior knowledge of English, are placed in English preschools. Preschool teachers have the demanding task of preparing these multilingual preschoolers for formal schooling in English, and, in addition, are pressurised by parents or caregivers who expect their children to be fluent in English by the time they enter primary school. A group of preschool teachers in a specific urban, multilingual preschool context expressed concern about multilingual preschool learners’ academic performances and their future, and requested advice and support. Consequently a need was identified for speech-language therapists to make their expertise available to multilingual preschool learners, as well as to their preschool teachers. To address this need, an exploratory, descriptive, contextual research design, incorporating the quantitative perspective, was selected to describe the specific educational context of multilingual preschools in the Pretoria Central Business District (CBD) and Sunnyside area. A descriptive survey was conducted and two survey techniques were employed to collect the data, namely a questionnaire and a test battery. The questionnaire was used to collect information from 32 teacher participants to investigate the needs and strengths of preschool teachers and multilingual preschool learners. The test battery was utilised to collect data on the language and communication proficiency in English of 30 learner participants. Results indicated that the teacher participants perceived certain personal challenges while supporting the preschool learners acquiring English as Language of Learning and Teaching (ELoLT). These teachers expressed a need for knowledge and support. They also reported that the multilingual preschool learners in the research context had to communicate in ELoLT despite it being an unfamiliar language. Some of the multilingual preschool learners displayed behaviours that could be indicative of negative influences on their self-esteem. The language and communication assessment revealed that many learner participants’ comprehension and expression in ELoLT were insufficient for learning and that they required support for academic success. In addition, the results support the claim that an integrated view of the multilingual learners’ communication abilities need to be established across contexts, by combining assessment strategies, such as naturalistic and structured assessment, as well as interdisciplinary perspectives. The results of the empirical research was used to propose a service delivery model for the acquisition of ELoLT in the research context. This proposed model may be an effective approach to provide supportive intervention to multilingual preschool learners with linguistic barriers to learning. In addition, initial stage intervention guidelines for the basic level ELoLT learner were offered in response to the needs of the specific community. These guidelines may provide a basis for the planning of intervention strategies to preschool teachers who were concerned about the education and future of multilingual preschool learners. / Thesis (DPhil (Communication Pathology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology / Unrestricted

Rationale: The importance of well developed phonological awareness and the effect of poor phonological awareness skills on reading and spelling have long been recognised. However, a dearth of research exists regarding populations in multi-cultural, multi-lingual contexts both nationally and internationally. This issue is of particular importance in the South African context where many Black learners in the school setting have no other choice than English as the Language of Learning and Teaching (ELoLT). Aim: The purpose of the study was to explore the effect of a multi-cultural, multi-lingual context on the English phonological awareness skills of a group of Black Grade 4 learners in a primary school setting in South Africa. Method: An exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was implemented, which incorporated both quantitative and qualitative paradigms. An assessment battery consisting of formal and informal assessments was used to determine levels of development. The researcher endeavoured to find statistical correlations between the participants' phonological awareness skills on the one hand, and their phonological abilities, their expressive and receptive language abilities, and their reading and spelling abilities in ELoLT on the other. Participants: Fifteen Black Grade 4 learners, each with a Black language as mother tongue, who attended a mainstream school where English was the language of learning and teaching (ELoLT), participated in the study. The participants' ages ranged between 9 years 11 months, and 10 years 11 months. Results: The participants’ phonological abilities in English as LoLT showed that 47% of the participants produced the target consonants with a consonant approximation, and vowel approximations were produced by all of the participants in single words. All fifteen the participants’ expressive and receptive language abilities in English as their LoLT, were on a below-average level and their expressive language abilities were more advanced than their receptive language abilities. All the participants evidenced problems in terms of their phonological awareness skills. Based on the results obtained for reading decoding abilities, only one third of the participants could be considered to be readers of an average standard. The reading comprehension abilities of all the participants were on a lower level than those of first language speakers of Standard South African English. Furthermore, the participants’ spelling abilities in English as LoLT were not age-appropriate. Even though no significant correlation could be determined between the participants’ reading comprehension and phonological awareness skills (due to the fact that memory probably played a role in their reading comprehension), it was statistically determined that their poor phonological awareness skills could be associated with their below-average phonological, receptive and expressive language, reading decoding, and spelling abilities. Conclusions: The results of this research have implications for the role of speech-language therapists in terms of collaboration, prevention, assessment, and intervention where the development of these learners' phonological awareness skills is concerned. Clinical implications focus on the dissemination of information, therapy planning, and EAL learner support. The need for further research in this field is emphasised. / Dissertation (M (Communication Pathology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology / M (Communication Pathology) / Unrestricted