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UFS Language Policy is now available in four languages

13 June 2024 | Story Edzani Nephalela | Photo Supplied

Dr Nomalungelo Ngubane, the Director of the Academy for Multilingualism, is at the forefront of this initiative, championing diversity and inclusiveness for all stakeholders at the University of the Free State.

Diversity in higher education institutions enriches the learning environment, fostering a culture of inclusion and mutual respect. It broadens perspectives, encourages critical thinking, and prepares students for a global workforce by supporting equitable access to opportunities and enhancing all students' personal growth and academic excellence.

The University of the Free State (UFS) has marked a significant milestone in its commitment to linguistic diversity with the official translation of its Language Policy into three additional languages: Sesotho, Afrikaans, and isiZulu. Previously only available in English, the translation of the policy – approved by the University Council in November 2023 – into these languages reflects the university's dedication to inclusivity and recognition of its diverse community.

The collaboration between the Academy for Multilingualism and the Institutional Regulatory Code was instrumental in a groundbreaking initiative: making the Language Policy accessible to speakers of African languages. Spearheaded by the Academy for Multilingualism, this endeavour involved a thorough translation, formatting, and proofreading process.

Dr Nomalungelo Ngubane, Director of the Academy for Multilingualism, emphasised that the availability of the Language Policy in multiple languages is not merely symbolic, but underscores the UFS' values of respect, human dignity, and social justice, as outlined in its Vision130. “This initiative aligns with the university's overarching goal of fostering an environment where all languages are valued and respected. We also hope that the Language Policy will not just be written in different languages but will strengthen the implementation of the policy in various domains of the university to achieve its objectives.

She further explains that the translation project is expected to have far-reaching impacts on how policies are communicated and understood within the university, because it enhances the ability of students, staff, and stakeholders to participate more fully in university life, contributing to a more cohesive and integrated community.

This initiative is a testament to the UFS' commitment to embracing and celebrating linguistic diversity as a fundamental aspect of its identity and operations.

News Archive

Head of Department receives prestigious scholarship

2012-02-01

Prof. Hennie van Coller

Professor Hennie van Coller, Outstanding Professor and Head of our Department Afrikaans and Dutch, German and French, is the proud receiver of a EURIAS (European Institute for Advanced Studies) Scholarship. Prof. Van Coller is one of 17 candidates from all disciplines to be awarded the EURIAS Scholarship.

The scholarship includes a 10-month residency at one of the 14 institutions involved. Prof. Van Coller will be accommodated at the Flemish Academic Centre for Science and the Arts (VLAC) in Brussels.

Researchers from around the world were given the opportunity to apply for this prestige scholarship. It is awarded in the fields of the humanities and social sciences, as well as in other fields of science. Applicants had to submit an “innovative” research proposal, which demonstrates the ability to move further than disciplinary specialisation and also show an international alliance and quality of publications.

Van Coller is the editor of Perspektief en Profiel: ’n Afrikaanse Literatuurgeskiedenis. This literature study is used internationally and is currently being updated and reissued. He is also one of just a few contributors in Afrikaans literature to be instrumental in the new Cambridge South African Literary History edited by David Attwood and Derek Attridge.

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