Multiple Languages and Literacy

On Thursday morning we visited with the Faculty of Education at Unviersity of Johannesburg to learn about education initiatives in South Africa. In this new democracy, children born after 1994 (after apartheid) are considered the "born free" generation. I find it amazing how much has been accomplished and what's going on.

South Africa recognizes eleven languages as official. How cool is that?! Nine are indigenous such as Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele, Swati, Sotho, Tsonga, etc. And also English and Afrikaans. So especially important here - as it should be all over the world - is multilingual education. I love this concept! Later in the day we met with the Molteno Institute, an organization that has developed curriculum and pedagogy for helping children become strong in their first language as a bridge to learning and literacy.



This day ended with an interesting visit to a Cultural Village where we learned more about the tribes and languages of the Zulu, Xhosa, Basotho, etc., and were privileged to watch dances illustrating multiple cultures.

I am re-energized by experiencing the wonders of our world of multiplicity!