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Mainstreaming Translanguaging Pedagogy Through Language Policy: Opportunities and Challenges in a South African University

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2026

Liqhwa Siziba  and
Busani Maseko
Liqhwa Siziba*
Affiliation:
North-West University
Busani Maseko*
Affiliation:
North-West University
*
School of Languages, North-West University, South Africa, [Liqhwa.siziba@nwu.ac.za], [komaseko@yahoo.co.uk]
School of Languages, North-West University, South Africa, [Liqhwa.siziba@nwu.ac.za], [komaseko@yahoo.co.uk]
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Abstract

This article is a critical analysis of principles for the provision of translanguaging in the language policy of North-West University. It draws on the conceptualization of translanguaging as a transformative, inclusive, and empowering practice (Cenoz & Gorter 2022a,b, Kleyn & García 2019, Tai 2022) and attempts to uncover the mood and dispositions of the university toward main-streaming this practice for the inclusion of indigenous African languages in teaching and learning. We discuss how the wording of the provisions reveals the language policy to be power-inflected, reproducing contestations between indigenous and ex-colonial languages. The article ends by suggesting a continuous review of the language policy to eliminate vague and escapist policy provisions.

Keywords

language policytranslanguagingindigenous African languagesuniversitiesSouth Africa

Information

Type
Language and Public Policy
Information
Language , Volume 99 , Issue 3 , September 2023 , pp. e135 - e152
Copyright
Copyright © 2023 Linguistic Society of America

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