Clinging to monolingual education undermines SA’s rich linguistic diversity

South Africa is blessed with a rich array of tongues and dialects weaving through the narratives of its people. From the rolling cadences of Sepedi to the lyrical rhythms of isiXhosa, each language carries with it a unique cultural heritage and identity.

The country’s linguistic diversity is a source of pride and complexity. It reflects centuries of intertwined histories, traditions and migrations, giving rise to a kaleidoscope of languages and dialects spoken across the nation.

Yet, within the realm of formal education, the journey of multilingualism often encounters hurdles and hesitations, despite the evident benefits it offers.

As someone who navigates five languages with varying proficiency, I am intimately acquainted with the profound impact of linguistic diversity on personal and educational development.

My journey began with isiNdebele, my mother tongue, which not only shaped my earliest interactions with the world but also formed a deep bond with my mother. Together, we explored the pages of isiNdebele and isiZulu literature, traversing the moral landscapes painted by authors like Ndabezinhle Sibanda Sigogo, Cyril Lincoln Sibusiso Nyembezi and Barbara Makhalisa.

These shared moments nurtured not only language skills but also cultural understanding and familial connection. While the streets of eMakhandeni, my childhood neighbourhood, became the classroom for my immersion in ChiShona. Here, I found myself conversing in ChiShona with friends who had recently relocated from Harare and were unfamiliar with isiNdebele.

Formal education further enriched my linguistic repertoire under the guidance of dedicated educators such as Mrs Bonomali, Dr Malusi Ngwenya, Mrs Chigweshe, and Professor Faith Mkwesha. Through their mentorship, I was exposed to a diverse array of literary works spanning from the adolescent adventures of Nancy Drew as well as the Hardy Boys, to the African pacesetters to timeless classics such as Hamlet, So Long a Letter, Twelfth Night, Far from the Madding Crowd, The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born, Devil on the Cross and Pride and Prejudice. 

Each encounter with a new language or literary tradition expanded my horizons and deepened my appreciation for linguistic diversity.

Professional endeavours also propelled my linguistic journey, as I honed my proficiency in languages like isiSwati and kiSwahili to better connect with colleagues and communities. These narratives of multilingualism in my life extend beyond mere functional utility; they encapsulate the beauty of human interaction and communication.

Yet, amid these enriching experiences, a stark reality emerged – English stood as the privileged language of academia and professional discourse. This phenomenon is not unique to my own experience; rather, it reflects broader systemic biases within educational frameworks.

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