The Centrality of Translation in the Development of African Languages for Use in South African Higher Education Institutions: A Case Study of a Political Science English- isiXhosa Glossary in a South African University

Abstract

In South Africa, development of African languages through translation is one of the main language planning goals mandated by language legislation. Such planning goal is motivated by their historical diminished use and consequently, their association with low status and esteem. In this regard, Bamgbose (1991) argues that a language is valued when there is a demand for its use in high-function domains such as education. It is in this context that translation is becoming one of the activities in the development of educational resources in African languages. The paper therefore discusses the language legislation that provides for translation into indigenous African languages in higher education. It examines terminology planning facilitated through translation as a way of addressing language challenges faced by university students to whom English, the common language of teaching and learning in South African higher education, is an additional language. Terminology planning initiatives undertaken by three South African three institutions are presented, but the focus is on Political Philosophy terminology developed at Rhodes University. This terminology, developed through translation, is discussed in the context of translation theories.

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