By BAKANG MOKOTO
2 January 2025- Section 6 (2) of the constitution mandates the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation to put mechanisms in place to develop previously marginalized languages (Act 108 of 1996). The use of the official language Act, Act No. 12 of 2012 gives effect to the implementation of language policies, structures, and plans.
The Pan South African Language Board Act (Act 59 of 1995) provides for the promotion of multilingualism. North West Provincial Languages Act 1 of 2015, determines the provincial official languages of Bokone Bophirima regulates and provides for the languages by all organs of the state.
The department said it promotes multilingualism, redresses past linguistic imbalances, and develops the previously marginalized languages by facilitating equitable access to government services, knowledge, and information. It says it will continue to elevate the status and advance the use of South African Sign Language in the province.
“Encouraging the learning and use of other official Indigenous languages to promote national unity and linguistic and cultural diversity. Facilitate the formulation and implementation of provincial language policy and internal language policy of the Arts, Culture, Sport, and Recreation department. “Liaise with and advise various government departments, municipal authorities, and public entities on the equitable use of official languages in the province. Conduct advocacy campaigns on the promotion of multilingualism.”
The department said it also facilitates the establishment of the North West Provincial Language Council. It said this includes facilitating measures for the development of indigenous languages.
“Facilitate the establishment of language units in all government departments. Ensure that people receive information in the language of their choice by translating and editing documents from the source language to the targeted languages used in the province.
“Identify and coin terminology for various fields where there is a lack of terminology. Development and promotion of indigenous literature. Develop awareness programmes on South African Sign Language,” it said.
The department said it will continue to facilitate the development of systems to ensure access to information by deaf people. It said it liaises with stakeholders in terms of promotion and development of South African Sign Language.
“Facilitate the expansion of pool SASL literate employees in all government departments and municipalities. To provide SASL interpreting services, develop emerging interpreters and raise awareness about South African Sign Language interpreters.
“To advise the MEC on any language related matter in the province. Monitor the implementation of the use of official language act 12 of 2012 (UOLA) and the North West Provincial Languages Act of 2015 (NWPLA).”
Meanwhile, the department said the North West Publishing House preserves and promotes indigenous literary heritage. This includes encouraging a culture of reading and writing in all communities.
“To encourage publications of books from a broad variety of subjects in Indigenous languages. To promote the rights of and prevent the exploitation of emerging writers.
“To assist writers to become self-sustainable in marketing and selling their books and to implement skills development programs for the writers.”
The department is working with strategic partners such as Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) and its structure. This includes North West Institute of Higher Learning, Provincial Legislature (Hansard Section), municipalities, all government departments, library and archive services, language activists across the province, community based organisations, deaf communities, deaf organisations, dead federation of south Africa (DeafSA) North West, South African National Deaf Association (SANDA) North West, Heritage and Museum Services, North West Communities and publishers.
South African Sign Language (SASL)
South African Sign Language is a language in its own right. It has its own grammatical structures, SASL can be used in every setting and represents cultural identity by deaf people.
Finger spelling
Alphabet chart aims to use a one-handed alphabet method of spelling words using hand movements. Deaf awareness and equitable treatment of South African Sign Language) SASL.
Aims to create awareness among deaf culture. Deafness, status of SASL, SASL, interpreting service. Deaf education and deaf rights. It also fosters parents of deaf children to learn SASL in order to be able to communicate with their deaf children. Language service: (018) 388-2822/25/28/3067
Fraud or corruption hotline number is 0800 701701
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