http://hdl.handle.net/10386/28 Tue, 21 May 2013 03:33:41 GMT 2013-05-21T03:33:41Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/818 Title: Reading comprehension strategies among biliterate grade 7 learners in Limpopo Province, South Africa Authors: Phokungwana, Pheladi Florina Abstract: Reading achievement in South Africa is generally cited as one of the lowest in the world. Whereas general reading challenges and lower reading proficiencies have been adequately expressed in the literature, very little is said about the information-processing strategies between learners who juggle between two distal language systems. In order to fill in this void, this study sought to investigate strategies used in processing-processing strategies among 7th graders when reading both English and Sepedi texts in rural Limpopo and to examine the anaphoric interpretation in Sepedi and English texts, to assess the application of inferencing reading strategies in Sepedi and English text, to determine the role of working memory (recall) in processing texts, to examine the differential comprehension levels in two Sepedi dialect; and also to ascertain recall achievement relationship between these languages. Based on data deduced from self-developed equivalent tests for recall, inference and anaphoric resolution among a research population of 150 (n=150) seventh graders from three geographically dispersed schools in Limpopo Province, both descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to analyse central tendencies, measures of dispersion, and mean differences. The results of the study show a relatively low reading achievement in both languages, with the majority of the participants scoring below 50%. However, there was a differential performance, with statistically significant differences in favour of the Sepedi text. These results thus challenge the commonly held assumption that readers developed higher proficiency in English than they did in African languages (see Pretorius and Mampuru, 2007; Pretorius and Currin, 2010). Moreover, the results showed no statistically significant differences between the schools and Sepedi dialects used in the communities around the schools. In the end, implications for threshold hypothesis and suggestions for bi-literate development, emphasising reading achievement in the home language are offered for adaptations in comparable contexts. Description: Thesis (M.A. (English Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2012 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/818 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/808 Title: An analysis of code switching as a learning and teaching strategy in selected multilingual schools of Limpopo Povince Authors: Senyatsi, Khensani Khutso Abstract: This study explored the use of code switching as a learning and teaching strategy among grade 11 mathematics literacy learners at selected high schools in Limpopo Province. This study, in exploring this use, discovered language problems faced by these learners in the mathematics literacy classroom. Language seemed to be the major barrier in the understanding of concepts in mathematics literacy; and the material being delivered to them. The study found out that the use of code switching, from English to mother tongue, in explaining some of the concepts greatly helped the learners understand their scope of work. The study recommends the use of code switching during mathematics literacy lessons to better facilitate the process of learning and teaching and to improve language performance of the learners Description: Thesis (M.A. (Linguistic Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2012 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/808 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/764 Title: The role of translation with special reference to Tshivenḓa and English : a case of the Maintenance Act Number 99 of 1998 in South Africa Authors: Mukundamago, Nthuseni Tryphina Abstract: The study examines a variety of problems that are associated with the translation of the Maintenance Act of South Africa (1998) from English into Tshivenḓa. The study also analyses various translation methods and procedures, and attempts to apply them in the translation of the aforementioned Act. Currently, there seems to be a great lack of legal terminology in Tshivenḓa. As a result, officials end up using English when they interact with their clients who are largely illiterate. Therefore, the study focuses on translation strategies that can be invoked in order to solve the problem of lack of terminology in indigenous languages in general and Tshivenḓa in particular. Chapter two gives a review of the literature and theories pertaining to various translation topics such as, definition of translation, types of translation, methods of translation and procedure of translation. Chapter three addresses issues pertaining to the strategies of translation, methods of translation and terminology development or term formation processes in African languages. These aspects are used by the researcher to expand on the aims and objectives of this research study. Chapter four analyses the respondents’ responses with regard to the translation of legal terminology used in the Maintenance Act (no: 99 of 1998) from English into Tshivenḓa language. A questionnaire was used to examine whether respondents would correctly translate legal terminology from English into Tshivenḓa language. Their responses are also discussed here. Chapter five gives a conclusion to this study. Description: Thesis (M.A. (African languages) --University of Limpopo, 2010 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/764 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/661 Title: Sol T Plaatje and Setswana : contributions towards language development Authors: Makhudu, P. D. K. Abstract: This thesis aims to explore Sol T. Plaatje's use of Setswana and in that way explain primarily the nature and extent of his linguistic contributions to the rise, growth and development of the language as a modern communication means in South Africa. To obtain greater understanding of Plaatje's contribution, his Setswana translation of two Shakespeare plays, his paremiology, patronyms and onomastic examples are investigated through tools adapted from the rhetoric field, literary criticism, discourse analysis, pragmatics, sociolinguistics and language planning. Furthermore, by employing traditional grammar methodologies combined with conceptual frameworks derived from Transformational Generative principles, Plaatje’s work is descriptively exposed. The analysis of certain Plaatjean products seeks to bare the intralinguistic features of the Setswana variety or the Serolong forms he employs in the translations, the Diane proverbs, some folktales of A Sechuana Reader and related prose passages. Instances of the Serolong lect or his idiolect are treated as data bearing textual evidence of his efforts to preserve, elaborate and develop the broader Setswana sociolect that he perceives as in decline under English linguistic imperialism. The role he played in his native language's evolution is traced by trawling through documents and publications that presumably convey Plaatje's development policy and plan for Setswana. The main findings of the textual and/or contrastive analyses on selected portions of his Diane proverb collection and Setswana translations of Shakespeare, i.e. Comedy of Errors and Julius Caesar (renamed Diphosophoso and Dintshontsho tsa bo-Juliuse Kesara), are that his manipulation of Setswana morpho-phonological, lexico-semantic features and syntactic forms is characterized by innovative expression. Plaatje’s use of creative translation strategies including well-formed discourse patterns further reveal of several linguistic changes and advances in early 20th century Setswana. (vii). His usage of the Serolong variety in domains as different as journalism, ethnic history, story-telling, court interpreting, lexicography, onomastics and patronymy, provides evidence of a pioneering exercise of his native tongue’s expressive musculature. As such, the works resonate with his re-vitalization inputs for the sociolect to cope with the communication demands and challenges of a rapidly changing society. Research analysis of the linguistic discourse patterns in his writings thus uncovers the significant contributions he made to Setswana’s evolution, across several literary genres. While recognizing the study’s limitations owing to a focus on Plaatje’s linguistic productions only, the scope helped open up avenues for further and deeper investigation. Firstly, the enquiry appears to confirm the view that he was a language developer with literary and linguistic skills deserving greater recognition and high valorization. Secondly, Plaatje’s endeavours to grow and advance Setswana should serve as a model for contemporary language development policies and plans which African sociolinguists could adopt, adapt and/or emulate. The thesis makes a definite contribution to scholarly debates and discussions centering on the direction of African language planning and development. As such, research of Plaatje’s contributions are recommended for research to break new ground in areas like, orthography modernization, ethnolinguistic lexicology, editing and the writing of thesauruses or dictionaries for marginalized South African languages like Setswana. This is crucial especially because African intellectuals and leaders like Plaatje apparently address the problems facing their native languages from a developmental and socio-political angle. The holistic approach evidenced in Plaatje’s writing of Native Life, Mhudi and, as exhibited in analyses of Diane, Diphoso and Dintsho passages, suggests that modern socio-political solutions are required for linguistic problems. With such goals in mind, future language planners might succeed in rescuing African languages from the same incipient decline Plaatje warned about. Description: Thesis (Ph.D. (English studies)) --University of Limpopo, 2012 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/661 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z