LANGUAGE POLICY

1.                     REASONS FOR THIS Policy

The language policy of the Central University of Technology, Free State determines the languages of communication at the CUT.

2.             POLICY Statement

 

2.1                  The Central University of Technology, Free State is committed to promoting accessibility for all higher education learners and to redressing the results of past discrimination.

2.2                  The CUT shall, in all its endeavours, promote multilingualism and the development of multilingualism, especially with regard to the predominant regional languages.

2.3                  The official language policy of the Central University of Technology, Free State is based on mutual tolerance and respect amongst all cultural groups, and should be as apolitical as possible.  It should be guided by the following principles:

2.3.1             Adherence to the constitution of the Republic of  South Africa.

2.3.2             Promotion of diversity, equity and reconciliation.

2.3.3             Fulfilment of regional needs.

2.3.4             Cost effectiveness and justifiability, as far as possible.

2.3.5             Promotion of accessibility.

2.3.6             Commitment to multilingualism.

2.4           Policies, procedures and resources will be ensconced to promote the proficiency of all learners and staff in the main languages of communication at the CUT.  In line with the national trend, the emphasis shall be on English as the primary language of communication.

2.5           The Central University of Technology, Free State language policy shall be revised in conjunction with the National Higher Education Language Policy developments, and at least every three (3) years.

3.             AcademIC

3.1            Medium of instruction

The Central University of Technology, Free State is committed to providing access for as many higher education learners as possible.  English will be used as the primary language of instruction.

Afrikaans and Sesotho will be used as supplementary languages of communication, in consideration of the regional preferences.  Where viable, these languages may be used as parallel media of instruction.  Learning and assessment materials will be made available in Afrikaans, if possible.

3.2            The instruction of language subjects

The Central University of Technology, Free State strives to present language subjects according to the demand for these courses and the availability of the required expertise.

The development of the use of regional languages of the Free State and their subject matter terminology will receive priority.

3.3            Language of evaluation and assessment

English is the primary language of evaluation and assessment.  In the case of parallel instruction in a language other than English, evaluation and assessment may be conducted in that language.

4.             GENERAL

4.1            General administration

                English will be the primary language of administration.

The use of a particular language should not exclude anybody from participating in official proceedings, such as meetings and ceremonies.

Committees must conduct their activities with due consideration of the Language Policy, but no member of a committee may be restricted in his / her use of English. 

The Section : Language Services at the CUT, which has translation and interpretation facilities, will be expanded to providethese services in more languages and on a wider basis.

4.2            Notice-boards

Notice-boards must reflect the diversity of the cultures on campus.  Information that is suitable in terms of the Policy on the Affixing of Posters and Notices on Notice-boards may appear in the three regional languages of the province .

4.3            Information boards/direction boards

Where at all practically possible, information should appear on strategically placed signs in all well-represented languages.

4.4            Names of facilities

The names of buildings will be accepted/changed in accordance with the Policy on the Naming of Facilities and Grounds of the Central University of Technology, Free State.

5.             Correspondence

With its Language Policy the CUT aims to allow the flow of information within administration to take place as effectively as possible.  All official notices will be in English at least and, where possible, in the supplementary languages.

Where possible in dealing with enquiries, the CUT should respond in the language of the enquirer.

6.             OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS

The nature, content and target audience determine the language used.

7.             COMPLIANCE OFFICER

                The Registrar is responsible for the implementation of this policy and should be contacted for purposes of enquiry into this policy.

8.             FIELD OF APPLICATION

All employees and students of the Central University of Technology, Free State should be familiar with the contents of this policy.