UJ and DAC partner in the development of indigenous languages

The Department of Linguistics at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has received substantial funding from the Department of Arts and Culture in order to provide bursaries to students enrolling for the BA Language Practice programme and at least one of South Africa’s indigenous languages. The grant has been made available for the three-year period from 2012 until 2014 and will enable eligible students to graduate with minimal costs on their side since their tuition fees as well as learning material such as prescribed books will be covered by the bursary.

The programme aims to address South Africa’s current demand for language practitioners in the indigenous languages by training professionals such as translators, interpreters, lexicographers, terminographers, language planners, and text editors in these languages. The bursary will therefore promote the development of the indigenous languages while at the same time building capacity in translation and interpreting in order to meet the demands of government’s national language policy.

Prof. Anne-Marie Beukes, Head of the Department of Linguistics, is extremely positive about the partnership between UJ and DAC. She says the translation and interpreting industry is a fast growing sector. In 2010 the US Bureau of Labor Statistics classified translation as one of the 10 fastest growing occupations, with employment of interpreters and translators projected to increase 22% between 2008 and 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations. "This grant will go a long way to develop the indigenous languages and to enhance their visibility in language practice", she said. "It will also benefit students financially. There are only winners in this partnership."

Prospective students can apply for the relevant programme, the BA Language Practice degree, until 26 October 2012 by visiting University of Johannesburg or contacting Ms T Strauss at 011 559 2694 or mail her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .