| dc.description.abstract | The research field of language planning is regarded as the umbrella term for organised enterprises
to find solutions to language problems (Baldauf, 2012:234, Fishman, 1973:79, New Mexico & Hult,
2010:75). Language planning takes place on four levels, namely status planning, corpus, languagein-
education planning and prestige planning (Baldauf, 2012:234, Beukes, 2006:22, Kloss, 1968:69-
85, Shohamy, 2006:45). Shohamy (2006:49) defines language planning as the process by which it
is determined what languages are used in what context, while a language policy is a set of principles
that regulate language behaviour.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate Aros' monolingual language policy in the context of South
Africa's multilingual higher education landscape.
The research design that was used to achieve this goal includes the exploratory sequential mixed
method where a survey design was used. It was accompanied by a qualitative case study research
approach, since this approach emphasized a specific phenomenon that was thoroughly studied. This
research took place in an institutional environment and the aim was to evaluate the institution's
mission, policies and goals.
The research was done in two phases during which six qualitative focus group interviews were
conducted. In the first phase, data from the focus groups was codified and divided into relevant
themes. Phase one led to the development of the quantitative research tool that was used during
phase two, where questionnaires were analysed and conclusions were made about the language
requirements that existed among Aros students and staff.
It was determined that several options exist on how language teaching can be offset within a
multilingual environment. The researcher came to the conclusion that Afrikaans can only survive as
university language in co-operation with other indigenous languages. The way in which Afrikaans
co-exist with other indigenous language communities is, however, disputed by scholars. Finally, it
was established that the language needs of Aros students and lecturers can be utilised through an
implementation plan (in cooperation with Aros's language policy). | en_US |
