Learner perceptions of English language teaching in African high schools: implications for language policy

Abstract

Are the most suitable teachers of a second language necessarily mother-tongue speakers of that language? From a survey of responses of std 8, 9 and 10 African pupils of English as a second language, it would seem that teachers of English who are not mother-tongue speakers are automatically regarded as inferior. In this article, the author considers the validity of 'South African English; and the role and relevance of indigenous languages in education in a post-apartheid era. He uses data gained .from his pilot study to elucidate issues such as the role of English in education in a multi-lingual context and particularly the need for in-service training and improved initial training of language teachers in South Africa. Is die mees geskikte tweede taal-onderwysers noodwendig moedertaalsprekers van daardie taal? Uit 'n oorsig van response van standerd agt, nege en tien swart tweede taal Engels-leerlinge, blyk dit asof Engelsonderwysers wat nie moedertaalsprekers is nie outomaties as minderwaardig beskou word. In hierdie artikel ondersoek die skrywer die geldigheid van "Suid-Afrikaanse Engels" en die rol en relevansie van inheemse tale in die onderwys in 'n post-apartheid tydperk. Hy gebruik data uit sy loodsstudie om sake soos die rol van Engels in onderwys in 'n veeltalige konteks toe te lig en vera! die behoefte aan in-diensopleiding en verbeterde aanvanklike opleiding van taalonderwysers in Suid-A.frika.