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09 December 2020
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Story Carli Kleynhans
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Photo Supplied
Carli Kleynhans.
With the most gruelling year recorded in our entire lives, gradually coming to an end we remain hopeful and thankful that we have made it through. From the unexpected shock of going into lockdown, to the worry of having to use a blended approach to succeed in your academics and now finally settling into a new normal, we at the advising office bestow upon you the title of Kovsie champion…because that's exactly what you are!
One of our many champions, Carli Kleynhans, a 3rd (final) year student enrolled for BA Psychology and English shares how she survived…no, actually how she has thrived in 2020.
• What was your biggest concern about your academics when you found out the country was going into lockdown?
My biggest concern about my academics as a final year student was whether the online learning and tests would provide the same in depth learning experiences that are necessary to build upon for future studies.
• What are some of the challenges you've experienced along the way?
Staying focused and trying not to procrastinate was a big challenge I had to conquer, especially trying to not be distracted by my family and my phone. How I survived and was able to thrive in 2020!
• What are some of the strategies you've used to ensure your academics don’t suffer?
Time management was one of the most important strategies that I applied. For most of my classes, I was able to focus each week on a different module, by working and studying in advance I was able to keep up with my workload and still have the weekends to focus on myself, therefore creating designated time to work, study and also time to relax and read.
• What support have you received from the institution that's helped you thus far?
Most of my lecturers have provided needed support regarding our academics. The institution helped provide clarity with everything that was going on.
• What do you think the UFS could have done differently to support student success?
I think the UFS could have provided more resources for the final year students, especially considering we have to apply for further studies; online it was difficult to discern exactly what was necessary for the applications, whereas in class I feel more information would have been provided.
• What has kept you motivated?
Knowing it is my final year has helped to motivate me, as I have to use these grades to apply for further studies. I recently received recognition from Golden Key and this helped to further inspire me to work even harder at my academics.
• What advice do you have for your fellow Kovsies who are finding it difficult to keep going?
Remember to make time for yourself, to look after yourself and your mental health, especially in these difficult times. Work in advance and keep to your personal academic calendar.
Supplementum analyses the San origin of South African place names
2013-09-25
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At the launch were, from the left: Prof Lucius Botes (Dean: Faculty of the Humanities), Christine van Deventer (SUN MeDIA), Prof Peter Raper (author), Prof Theodorus du Plessis (Head of Department: Linguistics and Language Practice), and Prof Dirk van den Berg (outgoing editor).
Photo: Jerry Mokoroane
25 September 2013 |
The Acta Academica Supplementum 2012 (2), under the outgoing editorship of Prof Dirk van den Berg, was launched on 16 September 2013. The author, Prof Peter Raper, is one of the leading place-name experts in South Africa. The Supplementum analyses the San origin of South African place names whereby different layers of language contact are exposed. For example, Dipodi (previously Jakkalsdraai), is an adaptation of the original San name. The first ‘di’ is the added Sotho preposition. ‘Po’ is equal to the San word ‘po’ (jackal) and the last ‘di’ equal to ‘/gi’ (to bend). Prof Raper’s research indicates that many place names carry evidence of various language shifts. By analysing these language layers, different phases of language contact are exposed. This research is instrumental in the preservation of a unique aspect of the South African cultural heritage.
Prof Raper is since 2011 Honorary Professor: Linguistics, in the Department of Language Management and Language Practice at the University of the Free State. He is one of South Africa’s leading toponymists. The fourth edition of the New Dictionary of Southern African Place Names, with Dr Lucie Möller and Prof Theodorus du Plessis as co-editors, is currently in the press. He is a member of the Commission for Toponymy of the International Geographical Union, as well as the Working Group for Toponymy of the International Cartographic Association, of which there are only ten members worldwide, and a member of the Editorial Advisory Board for the journal Names.