An evaluation of PanSALB’s progress in monitoring and managing language rights violations in South Africa

Abstract

This article evaluates the extent to which the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) managed to monitor and dealt with language rights violation complaints. The board’s role is to implement the language policy and to develop the official languages. The constitution of the country recognises 12 languages as official, including South African Sign Language. English continues to dominate regardless of its equal official status with other languages. This study used a qualitative method through document analysis and observations. The findings show that PanSALB has encountered various challenges in ensuring that language policy is implemented in a manner that satisfies all language groups and ensuring that language rights are protected. The study also found that few speakers of indigenous languages lodged complaints with the board compared to the speakers of other official languages. Data also revealed that out of 245 complaints lodged between 2004 and 2013, the board resolved only 60 complaints, while 185 remained unresolved. This article makes recommendations for how PanSALB could effectively fulfil its mandate and fast-track resolutions to the complaints. The article also suggests the use of awareness campaigns to encourage speakers of other languages to lodge complaints when their language rights are violated.

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