Recommendations on language of instruction and administration in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences were the focus of articles that appeared in the media yesterday (Sunday 14 June) and today (Monday, 15 June). For the sake of clarity Stellenbosch University shares the response that was given to the media below.
Stellenbosch University's (SU) Language Policy is determined by the University Council. Council approved the latest Language Policy in November 2014 and the University is currently implementing it.
The Language Plan offers faculties various options within the teaching and learning context as well as on how language can be used in official communication, in documents and in meetings within the relevant environments. Since the Language Policy provides equal status to Afrikaans and English, English on its own cannot be the default language, just as Afrikaans cannot be the default language anymore. The latest SU Language Policy is specifically focused on promoting multilingualism and preventing one language from dominating the other. Furthermore, SU pays attention to the discerning advancement and application of isiXhosa as an academic language and as a language of social engagement. SU therefore follows a dynamic process to make the University more inclusive and diverse, which includes our language offer.
True to the nature of universities as dynamic academic environments, there are on a continuous basis in faculties discussions on a great number of issues such as transformation, teaching, research, community interaction, institutional culture, language, technology and student affairs. This is in line with what Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, called the "further development of a culture of courageous debate".
In the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, there are currently certain suggestions on the medium of instruction and administration that are discussed and investigated on an internal, faculty specific level.
Language planning and the implementation of the Language Policy in faculties, take place in accordance with each faculty's context specific language plans. These faculty specific language implementation plans must however still be aligned with the principles of the Language Policy and faculties don't have a mandate to make changes that are in conflict with the University's Language Policy and Language Plan.
