The adoption of South Africa’s constitutionally-mandated indigenous languages as languages of learning and teaching (Lolt): a multilingualism approach.

Abstract

The objectives of this paper are to contextually define, describe and analyse the constitutionallymandated languages of South Africa. These are approached from spatial, historical and cultural settings. The Constitution recognises eleven official languages; namely, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Setswana, Siswati, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans and English. Enhancement of multilingualism and multiculturalism is significant, to ensure the functionality of reconciliation and accountability. Each language has its deep historical background and attractive cultural practices. Languages are significant aspects of any educational system and unique human attributes that enable human being to genuinely learn, think creatively, define reality and share meaning.