Thesis (MA (African Languages))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / The purpose of this study is to apply relevant and up-to-date theories concerning
language learning and acquisition to the specific needs of second-language learners of
isiXhosa in the field of health sciences through microanalysis of doctor-patient dialogues
in isiXhosa.
This study explores a task-based approach to language learning and teaching that
differs from traditionally applied methods. In this approach, the performance of a task is
regarded as the key feature in the language-learning process. This is in accordance with
the central aim of the task-based approach to language learning and teaching, which is
to transform the prescribed roles of teachers and learners in the classroom context so
that learners move from being passive observers to being actively involved in their own
learning processes, and teachers become facilitators and not presenters of the
language.In an endeavour to exploit the possibilities of tasks in the teaching and learning of
isiXhosa for health sciences needs, this study investigates the various components that
comprise a task as well as the possible effects that these components may have on
language learning and use. The results of the study could then provide teachers of
second-language courses with specific notions and strategies, which, when successfully
applied, could ensure optimal language learning and acquisition for language learners.
To expand the study, an analysis is conducted regarding the presence and nature of
cognitive complexity and syntactic complexity in authentic doctor-patient dialogues in
isiXhosa. The classification of these conversations will serve to inform the manner in
which tasks could be sequenced in a task-based language teaching course for second-language learners.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:sun/oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/2600 |
| Date | 12 1900 |
| Creators | Smitsdorff, Lynelle |
| Contributors | Visser, M. W., Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of African Languages. |
| Publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | Stellenbosch University |
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