Languages
All learners must take 2 official South African languages as part of their seven subject choices. Learners can choose up to 4 languages as part of their 7 subjects. These may be South African languages, or one of 16 non-official (foreign) languages:
Home Language
Description
Home Language usually refers to your first language “mother tongue” which you learned from birth, or within an early critical period of your life. In Grades 10 – 12, Home Language lessons provide a range of activities from comprehensions, writing essays, the study of grammar, and class involvement through discussions.
Purpose
Home Language is taught as a communication tool essential for the acquisition of knowledge; it is vital that students are proficient in four areas: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Learners should be able to recreate, imagine and empower their understanding of the world they live in.
Curriculum
Where possible, the study of the various above-mentioned skills is integrated within lessons. The approaches to teaching language are communicative, process-oriented, text-based and integrated and a variety of authentic texts enable this process.
Topics covered are:
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading.
- Writing and Presenting
- Language Structures and Conventions
- Literature
Careers
Home Language is compulsory and there are no career choice limitations as with other subjects. However Language develops important foundational skills in reading and writing and critical thinking essential for every career. If you enjoy this subject then you can consider a wide range of fields, including the following:
First Additional Language:
Description
This is the study of a language which the learners usually have no knowledge of when they start school. Learning a second language takes time and dedication. Once you do, being fluent in a second language offers numerous benefits and opportunities. There will be an equal emphasis on the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Purpose
In today's world, understanding and being able to communicate in at least one language in addition to your home language, will help you in life. In addition it promotes multilingualism and intercultural communication.
Curriculum
- Listening and Speaking (Oral component)
- Oral assessment is completed during the contact sessions. A variety of assessments will be completed such as: prepared and unprepared speeches and reading, conversational skills as well as listening comprehensions.
- Writing
- Literature
- Language
Careers
Having a second language is an advantage for any career. However, if you enjoy this subject and you feel that you have a knack for languages in general then you can consider a wide range of fields, including the following:
Second Additional Languages (Foreign Languages)
Learners can choose another official South African language, or one of these 16 non-official (or foreign) languages:
Arabic
French
German
Gujarati
Hebrew
Hindi
Italian
Latin
Mandarin
Modern Greek
Portuguese
Serbian
Spanish
Tamil
Telugu (also called Telegu)
Urdu